Opera, the only company that puts the VeriFone Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PAY) today announced a strategic partnership with Opera Software ASA to develop a secure payment-enabled version of the Opera Web browser.

The browser, being demonstrated for the first time here at Cartes, will operate on VeriFone????s MX800 Series of consumer-facing systems designed for multi-lane retailers, specialty stores, and point-of-service environments such as retail banking, ticketing, or kiosks.

The development agreement will enable developers to extend VeriFones MX Solutions family utilizing familiar Web-based tools to provide enhanced consumer access to kiosk applications and to develop new more engaging interfaces to existing payment applications.

Integrating Opera Web technology with VeriFones secure payments expertise will further unleash the unique capabilities of the MX800 platform and lead to creation of new, rich media user experiences on consumer-facing systems, said Paul Rasori, VeriFone vice president of global product marketing. This will also spur development of secure payment-enabled, value added applications such as self-service kiosks and help bridge the gap between online and bricks-and-mortar retail stores.

The Opera Web browser is a high-quality, multi-platform product designed utilizing open, international standards for a wide range of platforms, operating systems and embedded Internet products. VeriFones MX800 Series systems comprises three PCI PED-approved, secure multi-lane retail payment systems featuring the highest visual clarity in a durable, reliable and stylish form factor.

VeriFones vision for consumer-activated retail systems represents a perfect fit for Operas technology, said Scott Hedrick, senior vice president, Business Solutions, Opera Software. With VeriFones tremendous market presence, we expect this will be exemplary of how Opera is a flexible and powerful platform for any device.”

The MX800 Series leverages sophisticated technology and security features, and offers retailers a broad range of functions from basic debit and credit payment acceptance to advanced capabilities such as electronic signature capture, multimedia branding, contactless payment and smart card acceptance.

The MX830 is a performance-oriented, durable and economical consumer-activated payment device with core features and optional touchscreen and signature capture. The MX850 provides a mid-range solution for customers who need a multi-lane payment powerhouse with color graphics, greater memory, and a standard capacitive glass touchscreen with optional signature capture. The MX870 is the only large screen PCI PED compliant payment system and has won the vast majority of national contracts for multi-lane payment systems in North America.