Road online

February 03, 2010 - Oslo, Norway

Opera Software has announced a special report called Web on Wheels on the use of car computer systems for Internet access. The report describes the experience of Ford Motors in using web browsers in the on-board systems of Ford trucks and vans, as well as the growing demand for remote access to the office from the wheels is predicted.

According to Strategy Analytics, in 2016, almost 90% of cars manufactured in North America and Europe will support wireless connections to one degree or another. “The ubiquitous penetration of Bluetooth, 3G, GPS, as well as the proliferation of smartphones are increasing the demand for on-board automotive communications,” said Jo Blight, Strategy Analytics Global Automotive Research Director. - According to our data, email, maps, navigation, music and radio are priority for consumers. "The control systems for these applications and software will be a new field of competition for automakers, and they will either win or lose in this fight."

Ford needed a full-fledged browser to access the Internet, integrated into the on-board system and suitable for installation in different Ford cars. Today, the requirements for business mobility, the ability of employees and specialists to work in the field are growing rapidly. This leads to the need to provide complete and safe access to office databases, corporate mail, news feeds, traffic jams and weather information using built-in on-board computer systems.

“Using Opera technology, car manufacturers can offer their customers a simple and familiar web screen that can also be configured for voice control,” said Christen Krogh, Director of Development, Opera. - In our opinion, Internet access technologies in automobile computers are becoming easier for users and at the same time they have extensive configuration options. Opera, a leader in innovation on the Web, offers the flexible and multi-platform solution that car manufacturers need. ”

The main data of the report “Web on Wheels”:
- Web technologies simplify access to car functions and also allow to realize new unique features.
- Automotive web access technologies make mobile and private users and, more importantly, private entrepreneurs, representatives of small and large businesses. A car computer can provide the driver and passengers with secure access to operational information stored on office computers and servers.
- In the automotive industry, miscalculations and errors rarely go unnoticed, and the “seamless” integration of technology in the car is an important competitive advantage.
- Using ordinary computers and laptops while driving without special technical means is unsafe for the driver. The experience of using web technologies shows that the driver should have the same convenient and convenient access to the Web as he has at home or in the office, but at the same time on the road he does not need all the functions of working on the Internet that he uses outside the car.
- The concept of cars connected to the Internet gives car manufacturers another opportunity to successfully compete for a demanding buyer.
- Opera browsers allow you to adapt web technologies for the automotive control system and customize them in accordance with the preferences of customers, offer interactive applications based on open web standards.

Ford Motor, at the Consumer Electronic Show in January 2010, received the CES Innovation Award for in-vehicle accessories for its on-board computer system. For more information on Ford's on-board computers, go to: www.fordworksolutions.com The

full version of the Web on Wheels report in English is available at team.opera.com/marcom/web_on_wheels/Web_on_wheels_white_paper.pdf

About Opera Software ASA
Opera Software ASA is the industry leader in developing web browsers for desktop computers, mobile phones and other devices. Opera browser has gained worldwide recognition of users and manufacturers due to its high speed, compactness and better support for web standards compared to other browsers. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with regional offices in several countries around the world. The company's shares are traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker OPERA. More about the company: www.opera.com

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