Opera Software has followed up the release of Opera 5.0 for Linux with an IBM coup - the company has announced that IBM will be using Opera 5.0 for QNX for its NetVista Internet appliance.

Opera has been developing the QNX version since it was approached last November by IBM, and intends to make the software available for download in a few weeks time. It also has deals with AMD, Ericsson, Psion and Be, and according to CEO Jon S von Tetzchner, the IBM announcement is "the first in a series that will show that Opera has taken the lead in the Internet appliance market."

Recently Opera has been pursuing the tactic of presenting itself as the 'no strings' browser, hoping to score deals with ISPs and manufacturers who don't want to tie themselves in to either the Microsoft or the AOL camp. The IBM deal is perhaps an indication that this is succeeding.

The addition of QNX brings the Opera OS roster to six: Windows, Linux, MacOS, EPOC, BeOS/BeIA, and QNX. ®