(Insider Report) - Here comes a surprise. In a recent conversation with one of our insiders at Microsoft, the source revealed that Microsoft Corp., the world’s largest software maker, has acquired Opera Software, makers of the Opera browser. The insider reported that both Microsoft and Google were trying to bid on Opera, but in the end, the software maker took the lead.

At the moment, the deal is almost through with Microsoft and Opera planning on locations for the browser’s research and development centers throughout the world. One of such locations includes India; other locations at this time are unknown.

Opera will bring a significant number of things to the table for Microsoft. First and foremost, Opera will help compete against Firefox, the biggest threat to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer currently. Even though Opera doesn’t actively hold significant market share, Microsoft’s marketing efforts will more or less change its position. Moreover, Opera was the first tabbed browser to debut and it’s far more advanced in terms of development than Internet Explorer.

Perhaps the most desirable feature that Opera has to offer is its mobile version of the browser. Thus far, it’s the best mobile browser currently on portable devices, and it will surely give Microsoft an easy entry into the mobile market, especially as that market continues to flourish gradually.

Since the acquisition is almost complete, we should hear something officially from Microsoft in the very near future.

Update: Opera recently confirmed that Microsoft has not approached the browser maker and there is no active acquistion deal between the two companies currently.