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".