Sharp goes for Opera in embedded software solution

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Author: JT Smith

“Embedix Plus PDA” brings software from Lineo, Trolltech, Insignia
Solutions, and Opera Software to Sharp’s Zaurus.OSLO, Norway – November 5, 2001 – Opera Software today announced that
Sharp will use its Opera 5 for Linux Web browser in the Zaurus SL-5000D
developer unit. The Opera Web browser will be used as part of Lineo,
Inc’s powerful software solution Embedix Plus PDA, launched at JavaOne
in June this year. Apart from Opera 5 for Linux, the Embedix Plus PDA
solution contains Lineo’s Embedix Linux, Trolltech’s Qt/Embedded and QT
Palmtop graphical user interfaces, and Insignia Solution’s Jeode PDA
Edition.

The Zaurus SL-5000D is the first robust Linux/Java-based handheld from a
major consumer electronics manufacturer.

“The fact that Sharp has chosen to go for a Linux/Java-based handheld is
very exciting,” says Hakon Lie, CTO, Opera Software ASA. “The
combination of the quality products offered by the partners behind
Lineo’s Embedix Plus PDA will make the Sharp Zaurus a very attractive
platform for developers.”

Opera is the ideal Web browser choice for the embedded market, based on
its characteristics of being small, fast, and configurable while still
full-featured. The unique cross-platform core enables the browser to be
easily ported to other emerging platforms and simplifies overall
ma

intenance.

“The combination of Sharp’s new Zaurus with the Opera Web browser will
demonstrate the unique position we have achieved in the embedded
market,” says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software ASA “Opera’s
family of browsers is now the natural browser of choice for information
appliances that strive to offer users the best Internet experience.”

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Opera Software

Opera Software ASA is an industry leader in the development of Web
browsers for the desktop and device markets, partnering with companies
such as IBM, AMD, Symbian, Canal+ Technologies, Ericsson, and Lineo. The
Opera browser has received international recognition from end-users and
the industry press for being faster, smaller and more
standards-compliant than other browsers. Opera Software ASA is a
privately held company headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Learn more about
Opera at www.opera.com.

Sharp Electronics Corporation

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary
of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core digital
technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next
generation of mobile computing products for consumer and business
needs. Since creating the Wizard electronic organizer in 1989, Sharp
has led the market in introducing innovative handheld computing
products. Sharp is also the global leader in LCD technology, which is
incorporated into leading-edge LCD monitors and projectors. From the
small office/home office (SOHO) to large corporate environments, Sharp
provides a variety of innovative, computer-related solutions designed to
help increase productivity while providing functionality to meet
customer demand. Dedicated to improving people’s lives through the use
of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value
and design, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 2,900 people
nationwide to support its more than 50 product lines.

Lineo, Inc.

Lineo, Inc. provides embedded systems, real time and high availability
solutions that include software, hardware reference designs and
professional services. Lineo’s solutions allow OEMs to create devices
and systems that interact with the Internet while helping OEMs to reduce
system requirements, per-unit costs and time-to-market. The company’s
key product lines include: Embedix (embedded Linux system software),
uClinux (embedded Linux for MMU-less processors), SecureEdge
(Linux-based Internet appliances for secure networking), RTXC (general
purpose and DSP real-time operating system), BeaconSuite (x86
development toolkit) and Availix (mission-critical high availability
Linux cluster solutions). Contact Lineo at www.lineo.com, via e-mail to
info@lineo.com or by calling (801) 426-5001.

Trolltech AS

Trolltech AS is the creator of Qt, a C++ cross-platform fully
object-oriented application framework that enables rapid building of
state-of-the-art GUI applications for Microsoft Windows, Unix and
multiple embedded Linux platforms. Qt has formed the basis of many
successful commercial applications worldwide, and was used to develop
the open source, KDE Linux desktop environment. Trolltech is
headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices in Brisbane, Australia, and
Santa Clara, California. More about Trolltech can be found on the World
Wide Web at www.trolltech.com.

Insignia Solutions

Insignia Solutions is the leading provider of accelerated Java software
solutions that dynamically optimize the use of available system
resources. Insignia’s patent-pending Jeode virtual machine technologies
are licensed by such leading companies as BSQUARE Corporation (Nasdaq:
BSQR), Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ), Echelon Corporation
(Nasdaq: ELON), Fujtisu PC, Gemstar/TV Guide (Nasdaq: GMST), Intel
Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC), NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), Nortel Networks
(NYSE: NT), Olivetti Lexikon, Philips Semiconductor (NYSE: PHG), Phoenix
Technologies (Nasdaq: PTEC), Quantum Corporation (NYSE: DSS, HDD),
Siemens AG, Toshiba Information Systems, Victor Data Systems (a
subsidiary of JVC) and Wind River Systems (Nasdaq: WIND). Insignia
Solutions is publicly-held with headquarters in Fremont, California, and
its main R&D facilities in High Wycombe, England. Sales and marketing
departments are located in Fremont and High Wycombe. For additional
information on Insignia and its products, call 800/848-7677 in the
United States, +44 (0)1628 539 500 in Europe, +81 3 5404 3440 in Japan
or visit the company’s website at http://www.insignia.com.

Contacts at Opera Software ASA:

PÃ¥l A. Hvistendahl

Communications Manager

+47 99 72 43 31

pal@opera.com

Katherine Barrios

PR Manager Americas & Asia/Pacific

Kathy@opera.com