Microsoft buys Opera Software (rumor)

Bob Russell · 12-23-2005, 06:42 AM

Many rumors have been recently circulating about either Google and/or Microsoft trying to acquire the Opera web browser. This is especially interesting in the mobile computing arena because it can greatly influence what becomes the standard web browser software on future pdas and smartphones. It's starting to look a lot like it will be the Linux-based NetFront web browser from Access on PalmOS, and Opera Mini on Windows Mobile.

According to a new report from CoolTechZone, "Here comes a surprise. In a recent conversation with one of our insiders at Microsoft, the source revealed that Microsoft Corp., the world’s largest software maker, has acquired Opera Software, makers of the Opera browser. The insider reported that both Microsoft and Google were trying to bid on Opera, but in the end, the software maker took the lead."

This one is certain to be all over the tech news soon if confirmed.

Laurens · 12-23-2005, 08:52 AM

Hm.. I'm not sure if this is true. CoolTechZone is not exactly a credible source. In fact, I won't believe it until I see an actual press release.

rmeister0 · 12-23-2005, 09:43 AM

I call hoax.

With work proceeding on IE 7 (and some of it is good), the only reason for MS to buy Opera would be to eliminate a competitor. Opera, however, is still a niche player, and MS doesn't need to invite anymore anti-trust scruitiny than it already has had.

Alexander Turcic · 12-23-2005, 09:51 AM

Opera denies Microsoft is acquiring it

"...an Opera press representative said the report was without foundation."

Laurens · 12-23-2005, 10:22 AM

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/app...9243639,00.htm

12-23-2005, 06:42 AM	#1
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Microsoft buys Opera Software (rumor) Many rumors have been recently circulating about either Google and/or Microsoft trying to acquire the Opera web browser. This is especially interesting in the mobile computing arena because it can greatly influence what becomes the standard web browser software on future pdas and smartphones. It's starting to look a lot like it will be the Linux-based NetFront web browser from Access on PalmOS, and Opera Mini on Windows Mobile. According to a new report from CoolTechZone, "Here comes a surprise. In a recent conversation with one of our insiders at Microsoft, the source revealed that Microsoft Corp., the world’s largest software maker, has acquired Opera Software, makers of the Opera browser. The insider reported that both Microsoft and Google were trying to bid on Opera, but in the end, the software maker took the lead." This one is certain to be all over the tech news soon if confirmed.

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12-23-2005, 08:52 AM	#2
Laurens Jah Blessed Posts: 1,295 Karma: 1373 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The Netherlands Device: iPod Touch	Hm.. I'm not sure if this is true. CoolTechZone is not exactly a credible source. In fact, I won't believe it until I see an actual press release.

12-23-2005, 09:43 AM	#3
rmeister0 Addict Posts: 270 Karma: 298 Join Date: Mar 2005	I call hoax. With work proceeding on IE 7 (and some of it is good), the only reason for MS to buy Opera would be to eliminate a competitor. Opera, however, is still a niche player, and MS doesn't need to invite anymore anti-trust scruitiny than it already has had.

12-23-2005, 09:51 AM	#4
Alexander Turcic Fully Converged Posts: 18,170 Karma: 14021202 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Switzerland Device: Too many to count here.	Opera denies Microsoft is acquiring it "...an Opera press representative said the report was without foundation."

12-23-2005, 10:22 AM	#5
Laurens Jah Blessed Posts: 1,295 Karma: 1373 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The Netherlands Device: iPod Touch	http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/app...9243639,00.htm

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