Opera Software is shopping for cellular video optimization and cloud options supplier Skyfire Labs for about $155 million in money and inventory, the Oslo-based firm introduced at this time. The information comes a couple of days after Opera revealed that it plans to transition its Web browsers to WebPackage to extend competitiveness on Android and iOS. Skyfire will stay open as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Opera and can proceed to develop and assist the Skyfire browser.
The press launch by Opera mentioned that the 2 corporations “envision a strong new set of joint merchandise to be launched over the approaching yr,” with a selected give attention to Opera’s WebGo, which supplies customers the choice of shopping for knowledge plans resembling a limiteless “day go” for widespread apps and Web websites at costs made inexpensive by video and knowledge optimization. Opera believes that the product “can allow new enterprise fashions for operators, resembling toll free knowledge, ad-supported knowledge, and extra.”
“The market alternative for video/media optimization options geared in direction of operators and customers is important. After an intensive analysis of this market, we strongly consider Skyfire is the clear chief for the long run on this house”, mentioned Erik Harrell, CFO/CSO of Opera, within the assertion.
Skyfire is called the maker of Rocket Optimizer software program, which permits cellular operators to leverage cloud computing and optimize video and multimedia on cell towers, together with 3G and 4G LTE networks. The firm says that Rocket Optimizer on common provides cellular networks a 60 % enhance in capability by decreasing the dimensions of video and different multimedia to suit accessible bandwith, and detecting when particular customers have connections that want help.
“Skyfire provides capabilities to our portfolio round video, app optimization, smartphones and tablets, and energy in North America. With video anticipated to eat over two-thirds of worldwide cellular bandwidth by 2015, and as time spent on Android and iOS apps explodes, we’re excited to increase Opera’s options for operators,” mentioned Opera CEO Lars Boilesen within the launch.
The deal is predicted to shut on March 15. Afterward, Jeffrey Glueck, CEO of Skyfire, will assume the function of EVP of the Operator Business for Opera, in addition to CEO of Skyfire.
