Napster, which in 2000 allowed more than 60 million internet
users all over the world to download and share music for free, was
shut down over copyright infringement and was declared bankrupt. In
2002,Californian based Roxio bought Napster's name and assets for
$5 million.
Roxio is now planning to integrate the Napster music download
service into its new Audio Central music jukebox programme, which
is currently part of its CD-burning software product. The company
said it will remove the peer-to-peer component of the service.
Instead, the company is planing to offer services charging a fee
for each individual song downloaded, together with subscription
services allowing users to download music for a monthly fee.
According to media reports, Roxio said it is currently in
discussions with Vivendi Universal's Universal Music Group, Sony
Music, AOL Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Music Group; Bertelsmann AG,
and EMI Group, aiming to license their music.
Roxio, however, reportedly stated it will not re-launch Napster
until it "can establish it as a legal service".
