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Opera Software and QUALCOMM Launch Mobile Contextual Shopping Capabilities Via BREW-based Web Browser
November 17, 2004;
BREW is still alive and kicking. Better than Java anyway...

New Features Create Additional Revenue Opportunities for BREW Operators and Content Providers

QUALCOMM Incorporated, pioneer and world leader of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless technology, and Opera Software today announced their collaboration to introduce mobile users to contextual shopping capabilities via Opera’s mobile Web browser and QUALCOMM’s BREW® solution. Opera’s contextual shopping capabilities allow operators to enhance their subscribers’ wireless Internet experience by providing them with a feature-rich shopping experience, via BREW-enabled handsets. This advanced shopping experience gives users the opportunity to purchase and download contextually relevant content such as applications, ringtones, wallpapers and skins. For example, if using the Opera mobile Web browser to search for an update on the latest basketball scores, a BREW-based contextual shopping experience would enable the user to click on a link and purchase a basketball game, or other basketball related mobile applications or features such as wallpaper, all directly from the browsing experience.

Contextual shopping features can be deployed rapidly at minimum cost to BREW operators since the capabilities leverage an operator’s existing network infrastructure and components. Additionally, the BREW Distribution System (BDS) provides complete integration with back-end billing systems and application management, enabling flexible billing that supports multiple pricing options for the wide variety of contextually relevant applications and content that can now be presented to mobile end users.

Opera adopted the BREW solution to meet the demand to provide mobile Internet users with a high-quality experience and enable them to tap into premium content in a simple, intuitive manner. The Opera browser for BREW offers high-speed, user-friendly Web browsing, allowing users to purchase easily applications and services relevant to the content they are viewing. The BREW solution is enabling Opera to leverage its global opportunities while reducing overall time–to–market.

“Opera is pleased to work with QUALCOMM to deliver contextual shopping capabilities via BREW,” said Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera Software. “We’ve had a great experience delivering the Opera browser for the BREW platform with KDDI in Japan and we are delighted to deliver compelling new services such as BREW-based contextual shopping to the global wireless marketplace QUALCOMM has helped create. We expect that the Opera browser will not only provide new opportunities for BREW operators, users and content providers, but it will further promote the adoption of mobile Web capabilities and the importance of mobile Web browsing technology.”

“Contextual shopping capabilities via the BREW solution extend our commitment to enable diversified yet simplified shopping experiences for the end user while maximizing revenue opportunities for BREW operators and content providers,” said Gina Lombardi, senior vice president of marketing and product management for QUALCOMM Internet Services. “This functionality enables new features that support a wide range of premium BREW-based applications and content that will be presented to end users based upon their real-time usage, allowing a more personalized wireless experience for BREW subscribers.”

Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

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