Addition of Opera brings power of the Web to a PC-independent, always-on broadband smartphone
AURORA, Ill., and OSLO, Norway – June 21, 2007
Westell Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSTL), a leading broadband access equipmentprovider, and Opera Software, an industry leading cross-platform Webbrowser company, today announced the integration of the Opera browser forMicrosoft© Windows© CE.net into Westell’s MediaTerminalâ„¢ broadbandsmartphone. In addition to providing access to all Web pages and enabling advanced Web2.0 applications, Opera will render parts of the device’s user interface,which is easily configured to deliver unique, customized service providercontent.
Westell introduced the MediaTerminal in 2006 as a multi-service deliveryplatform for data, video and voice. It combines a state-of-the-artinteractive color touch-screen and a traditional cordless digitaltelephone, connecting to any DSL, cable, fiber or wireless broadbandnetwork. With Opera, the MediaTerminal can now be re-formatted as quicklyand conveniently as updating a Web page. The software includes Opera’sWidget implementation, allowing the MediaTerminal to deliver personalizedcontent to users, including weather forecasts, news headlines and stockmarket updates.
“The MediaTerminal is designed for carriers who want to bundleinformation, communication, and entertainment to build subscriber usageand retention,” said Carl Steen, Westell product line director. “Opera notonly gives the MediaTerminal an intuitive user interface and Widgetfunctionality, but also an optimized Web browsing experience that easilyadapts to touch-screen navigation. It’s a powerful solution for ourcustomers,” Steen said.
The MediaTerminal is targeted to subscribers with an existing broadbandconnection. The device includes a built-in speakerphone and supports up tofour DECT cordless handsets that are capable of simultaneously providingPSTN-POTS and VoIP telephony. A video camera option is available. Byincluding Opera on the device, users can access any Web site from theconvenience of the intuitive LCD touch screen.
“We are excited to work with Westell because of their visionary approachto incorporating personalized Widgets on devices,” said Scott Hedrick,Opera Software executive vice president for devices. “Every serviceprovider’s needs differ, and Opera provides a simple and easy-to-usesolution based in Web standards that allows Westell to offer theflexibility their customers demand.”
For more information about the Westell MediaTerminal, visitwww.westell.com/media-stations.html.
About Westell
Westell Technologies, Inc., (NASDAQ: WSTL) headquartered in Aurora, Ill.,has a 25-year history of broadband innovation, with more than 15 milliondevices shipped. Westell designs and builds carrier-class equipment thatdelivers high-speed communications for telecommunications operators andinternet service providers throughout North America and Europe. Theseinnovative, highly engineered solutions make it easy for carriers andservice providers to meet ever-increasing customer demand for reliable,effective delivery of content, services and capabilities. Visithttp://www.westell.com to learn more.