Skyfire is known for its Rocket Optimizer software which is claimed to give mobile networks a 60 per cent capacity boost by squeezing content to fit the available bandwidth. Skyfire's big advance is that it makes intelligent decisions: by being able to detect when specific users are having a "poor experience" it can intervene to redirect the stream, squash it, and send it on to its destination.

TelecomTV has just published an Interview with Skyfire's VP of Marketing , John Rintoul, who explains the technology. Watch the video!

Skyfire currently has three large US mobile operators as customers for its Rocket Optimizer and Skyfire Horizon solutions, and is in trials with ten other operators around the world.

"Opera and Skyfire are a natural fit," the press release has Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software, saying. "Both companies have evolved far beyond their browser roots. Skyfire adds capabilities to our portfolio around video, app optimization, smartphones and tablets, and strength in North America. With video expected to consume over two-thirds of global mobile bandwidth by 2015, and as time spent on Android and iOS apps explodes, we are excited to extend Opera's solutions for operators."

Skyfire will remain an independent entity as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Opera, and will continue to develop and support the Skyfire browser.