Opera announced today it has acquired web-based email provider FastMail.fm. Opera's offered its own email client since 2000, and now it will use FastMail to expand its own messaging product across various devices from mobile to TVs and gaming consoles.

"The newest generation of Web users will discover the Web through a mobile device," says Rolf Assev, Chief Strategy Officer, Opera Software. "Having world-class messaging capability alongside a rich and compelling Web experience is essential. By combining forces, Opera and FastMail.fm can offer messaging on any device. This will enhance the value Opera provides to consumers, while assisting our operator partners in reducing customer churn."

"Following this acquisition, Opera will be able to offer a consistent e-mail experience across all products," the company says. "Opera currently has more than 50 million users of its desktop browser and more than 55 million users of Opera Mini, a mobile Web browser that works on almost all handsets available today."

FastMail has been providing email services for a decade, and as its team "combines forces" with Opera's technical teams, FastMail itself will continue to operate and grow, and they will also work on new products.

For users of FastMail, the company has put together an FAQ to help make sense of the transition.