Deploys World-Leading Web Browser on Bare Metal Servers from IBM to Improve Mobile Internet Access for Millions of Users in Asia
IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Opera Software (OSEBX: OPERA) has deployed its world-leading web browser on bare metal servers in IBM's Singapore cloud center to support delivery of mobile web browsing and meet substantial mobile growth for end users across Asia.
With more than 350 million unique users, Opera Software provides one of the world's leading web browsers and one of the leading browsers on mobile platforms and Smart TVs, with more than 270 million unique mobile users around the world. In fact, Opera Mini servers, which run the browser specifically for mobile phones, delivered more than 177 billion web pages in just one year, and has compressed more than 350 petabytes of data since Opera Mini's launch in 2006.
To meet rapidly changing demands by end users, Opera Software has deployed Opera Max and Opera Rocket Optimizer solutions for mobile video on bare metal servers from SoftLayer, an IBM company, to enable the Oslo-based company to install and manage its own software in a single-tenant environment. SoftLayer's cloud infrastructure will ensure an improved and high-quality user experience for popular applications such as video streaming and downloads on mobile devices, and will allow Opera to seamlessly scale access as it grows across Asia.
"Asia is one of the fastest growing markets for mobile internet and this is the first time Opera's compression services have run on a third party cloud," said Anthony Nichols, vice president, Global IT Procurement, Opera Software. "Thanks to IBM's cloud infrastructure, we are able to deliver our services in Southeast Asia in a cost-effective way and run our services close to where our users are located, giving them the best quality service."
Opera Max and Opera's Rocket Optimizer solutions for mobile video are server-centered applications supporting users' mobile internet browsing and video streaming activity. As more users watch more videos on their mobile devices – and as these users increasingly expect a clear, uninterrupted delivery of their video content – more computing power and bandwidth are required to meet expectations for consistent delivery.
Moving these types of applications to the IBM Cloud will help Opera meet its users' demands for uninterrupted video streaming services by minimizing the number of network nodes and increasing bandwidth capacity while also ensuring that the applications are hosted in cloud centers near the end user, thereby lowering network latency.
"Seamless integration, scalability and security are key attributes of IBM's cloud that will help Opera Software empower millions of users across Asia with mobile access to the internet," said Magnus Arildsson, Cloud Services leader, IBM Nordic. "With a global network of cloud centers around the world and across Asia, the IBM Cloud will ensure that Opera's end users are able to access video and browse the web with uninterrupted access and a flawless overall experience."
The IBM Cloud offers enterprise-grade performance and bandwidth combined with a global presence, high security and transparency. Based on open standards, the IBM Cloud enables seamless integration with existing IT environments; a key attribute for large enterprises like Opera Software that require a hybrid cloud delivery model. SoftLayer's private network connects Opera's systems together with unlimited bandwidth traffic, increasing security and lowering costs related to transferring customer data.
