deCarta MapSearch Hits 10 Million Unique Mobile Users in Four Months

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- deCarta, the leading enabler of independent location-based services (LBS), today announced its MapSearch mobile application has reached 10 million users in the four months since its launch on March 22. deCarta's MapSearch application provides integrated maps, local search, navigation and Facebook status updates across a wide variety of platforms, including handsets and tablets from leading OEMs, mobile network operators and application publishers.

deCarta optimizes MapSearch for its channel partners and their products, in this case Opera Software and its Opera Mini browser, the leading mobile web browser used by more than 110 million unique users around the world each month. In addition to Opera Mini, MapSearch supports HTML5, native Android and iOS. MapSearch was formally launched as the default location-based service provider in the Opera Mini browser in 14 countries but now reaches users in 184 countries. MapSearch is monetized by targeted advertising provided by Opera Software's AdMarvel platform, deCarta's strategic advertising partner.

"This growth was fueled by the ease with which MapSearch can integrate into existing platforms with well-established user bases, even across different platforms and regions," said J. Kim Fennell, CEO at deCarta. "Emerging markets have embraced MapSearch, underscoring the global demand for maps and local search and demonstrating the need for these services on mass-market feature phones."

With a configurable and customizable "white label" application such as MapSearch, deCarta enables customers to control their brand, maintain customer loyalty and to capitalize on the growing mobile advertising market. deCarta's solution provides customers with an opportunity to monetize their websites in ways other LBS companies do not allow.

"We needed a way to bring maps, local search and directions to our browser without compromising our brand or customer loyalty," said Mahi de Silva, EVP, Consumer Mobile at Opera Software. "deCarta's MapSearch made it possible to improve the mobile experience of  millions of our customers around the world with their proven location-based services."

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web. Any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world — Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the Web should be a universal right. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. 200 million people (and counting) are using the Opera, Opera Mobile and Opera Mini browsers. Participation changes everything. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

About deCarta

deCarta is the leading independent enabler of location-based services for mobile network operators, mobile device OEMs, and local media companies. deCarta's technology includes an industry-leading LBS platform, white-label applications, APIs, a local search engine, and content indexing; these power many leading applications for mapping, navigation, local search, mobile advertising, social networking, and enterprise.

SOURCE deCarta