Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.
Subscribe to magazine

IBM Sings Opera's Tune

Big Blue will use the alternative browser in its NetVista Internet appliances.

Rick Perera, IDG News Service

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

IBM is giving a boost to an alternative browser. The company has selected a new version of the Opera Web browser for use in its NetVista Internet appliances, Opera announced Wednesday.

The Norwegian software company developed a version of its browser for the QNX operating system especially for IBM, but will make that version available for download by the general public in coming weeks.

"IBM came to us and they wanted us to do that; we have been working with them for six months, and they have approved our delivery, and the customers have approved IBM's delivery, and it's already been taken into use," says Opera Chief Executive Officer Jon von Tetzchner.

QNX, developed by QNX Software Systems, is well suited for Internet appliances that lack the power of a PC, says von Tetzchner.

"They need a browser that works well, that doesn't use a lot of memory, and that makes the use of hardware that is somewhat limited," he says.

Opera has experience with similarly limited hardware, he says, citing browser versions the company has released for Symbian's EPOC operating system for handheld devices, for Be's BeOS operating system for desktop machines, and for Linux embedded devices.

Opera is also releasing its final version of Opera 5.0 for Linux Wednesday, the company says in a separate announcement. Similar to the company's Opera 5 for Windows browser, the new version can be downloaded for free in an advertising-supported version, or users can opt to register for an advertising-free version for a fee of $39.

The privately held company has attracted a small but loyal following for its line of browsers, which it calls faster, smaller, and more standards compliant than other browsers.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No
  • Great year-end deals
    for small business!

  • Get 24/7 live remote AT&T Tech Support 360* service along with select Lenovo* PCs (with Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors) and save up to 200!

    Learn more

  • HP EliteBook* 6930p Notebook with Intel® vPro™ technology and a free HP Basic Docking Station - $641 instant savings!

    Learn more

  • *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. ©2009 Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, vPro and Core trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. All rights reserved.

Dell Laptop Deals

People who read this also read:

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

Sponsored Links