Join the Opera

Opera is the "third browser" in the high profile Microsoft vs. AOL browser wars, and has some technical advantages over the other two. This Norwegian company explains how an ISP would own-brand the Opera browser.

by Jon S. von Tetzchner [January 28, 2002]

While working at Telenor, a Norwegian Telecommunications company, Jon von Tetzchner and his colleague envisioned a multimedia Web where text, images, and sound could be browsed from any machine. No software available at that time offered these features, and in 1994 they began developing their own browser. Telenor used the first versions of the new browser, but decided not to commercialize the product. In June 1995, Tetzchner and his colleague acquired all rights to the browser and the company Opera Software was established. Today, Opera Software is an industry leader in the development of Web browsers for both the desktop and the Internet device markets and ranks number three among the most widely used Internet browsers in the world. Tetzchner holds a master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Oslo.

The Opera Web browser is a multi-platform browser available for the Windows, Linux, Mac, Symbian, QNX, and OS/2 platforms. In its standard configuration Opera is only 3 MB without Java and 10 MB with Java. It does not tax the operating system and consume resources as do the other browsers [because, among other reasons, it does not open an additional version of the same program for each window the user opens] and additionally is a much quicker download and installation. Opera has proved itself faster than the competition in magazine tests for home users, as shown in one of the leading computer sites, Chip Online, where Opera proves to be 15 percent faster than Internet Explorer and Netscape.

The Opera browser is significantly faster on computers with lower modem speeds and weaker system resources.

Opera provides ISPs with a simple and comprehensible procedure for signing up to work with the browser. ISPs simply:

1. Go to http://www.opera.com/distribution/. You should see the screen below. Open a new distributor account.

Opera distribution screen

2. Insert the e-mail address and the password (which we send you after registration) to enter the distribution system.

3. Enter the name of the ISP under "Add new distribution medium."

4. Under the "Add new Opera file" enter information such as number of copies, version number, and time frame.

5. Make sure to "Log out" of the distribution system.

6. If you wish to add more distribution channels or if you wish to get more copies of Opera, please log into the distribution system with your e-mail address and your password and add a new channel.

Opera offers ISPs an easy to use online branding tool called the 'Opera Composer', which ISPs can use to customize the browser to fit their business model needs.

All the ISP needs to do is go to Opera.com and click on the 'Opera Composer' link on the left side. When you see the screen below, register and make the following choices:

Opera Composer screen

1. Name of the browser

2. Choose from a range of options; choose a splash screen or develop your own

3. Choose from over 20 languages for the browser

4. Choose the default start page

5. Choose the default bookmarks

6. Choose whether to use the Opera e-mail client, instant messaging, or news client

7. Choose which skin to use from a range of options or design your own

8. Choose which extra 'Hotlist' tabs to use

9. Choose which buttons to use

10. Submit

Opera focuses on developing the most advanced browser in the world, thus allowing ISPs to remain independent from competing browser giants who threaten the existence of smaller ISPs. It is in the best interest of ISPs to gain experience with an independent third browser. Moreover, ISPs may find that their subscribers prefer the Opera browser after using it. Opera provides all users with a customer support department that answers technical questions that may arise. Opera offers ISP subscribers faster page rendering and better features, resulting in the best overall Internet experience any browser can provide. At the very least, ISPs should give their subscribers another browser choice in case the leading Internet service providers decide to begin charging for their proprietary browser software or decide to only offer their branded browser that is designed to solely promote their Internet service.

The Opera Web browser works hand-in-hand with ISPs allowing them to in turn provide their subscribers with all the necessary tools to have an enjoyable surfing experience without menacing their business. Not only does Opera provide ISPs with an easily comprehensible sign-up form, but it also gives ISP's the freedom to customize Opera to their needs with complete functionality. Opera is the natural browser choice for ISPs who want to offer their subscribers full featured browsing.

To learn more about Opera Software and the "Opera Composer", please visit www.opera.com and if you are an ISP and would like to sign up to work with Opera, please visit www.opera.com/distribution.

—End