joint IBM + Opera browser project

simulator for new XHTML+Voice W3C proposal

[amznVibe]

Looks like IBM has turned to Opera for an enhancement to their product called a "multimodal browser" for the next generation of cell phone and handheld pcs.

[alphaworks.ibm.com...]

In 2001; IBM, Motorola and Opera submitted the multimodal standard X+V to the standards body W3C... Multimodal technology allows the interchangeable use of multiple forms of input and output, such as voice commands, keypads, or stylus -- in the same interaction.

[w3.org...]

Does Opera have an IPO planned? :)

[tedster]

Nice find! Last year I spent 7 hours on a plane talking with a *relatively* senior manager at IBM. He pointed out that IBM has a long-term strategy of partnering, nurturing (and buying) strong companies -- especially companies that have a shot at being an alternative to Microsoft in almost any area of computer technology at all.

He told me that IBM is big (yeah, we got that part!) and so they move a bit slowly. But they do have a long term game plan that they feel will force Microsoft to share their toys and play nice. Cozying up to a sharpie like Opera would make a lot of sense.

[Tor]

Does Opera have an IPO planned?

Yes they do..

Opera has clearly stated that it will seek a public listing, and that such a listing most likely will take place in late 2003 or 2004.

Opera [opera.com]

[amznVibe]

Nice find! Well I can forsee I will be buying stock in Opera and Google within the upcoming year if all things go well...
Makes me think of this funny page [userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de...]

[grnidone]

If IBM cozied up with Opera, they'd bury it. Look at Lotus.

IBM makes some great stuff, but that company can't market themselves out of a wet paper bag. Opera would disappear.

[rodpuga]

grnidone,

I agree with you.

I used to work at IBM and that is what they to better.

They destroy companies like nobody else does.

IBM is a big elefant. It doesn't have the ability nor the competence to fight Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, or any other major player. They are always loosing their time to market.

I feel bad for Opera future with IBM.

[rodpuga]

Just to add, IBM should be less planning and more execution.

[Brett_Tabke]

>can't market themselves out of a wet paper bag.

Neither can Opera. There is no reason they shouldn't have 10% of the browser market by now. I don't even think they have a marketing department.