Opera to turn browser into web server

Opera is introducing a new service called Opera Unite that will run a tiny web server on a user’s computer, allowing them to sharing media over he web. The services are loaded on demand and can share files, stream MP3’s and share photos. Users can even create their own web site.

“Today, we are opening the full potential of the Web for everyone,” said Jon von Tetzchner, Opera CEO, in a statement. “With server capability in the browser, Web developers can create Web applications with profound ease. Consumers have the flexibility to choose private and efficient ways of sharing information.”

Each service is started independently. A user only chooses the ones he wants to run. It relies on UPnP to connect to a user’s router, eliminating the need for port-forwarding. It also sets up a proxy that should create a security layer, protecting the user’s computer from Internet attacks. The small web server is design to not tax a user’s CPU or broadband connection, allowing it to work in the background without interfering with regular computing.

Source: Ars Technica
Photo: Flickr