Software Firm Taps Napster Founder

Roxio Inc., the software firm that bought Napster’s technology and Web site in bankruptcy proceedings last fall, said it had acquired one more Napster asset -- company founder Shawn Fanning.

Roxio said Fanning, 22, would serve as a consultant as the Santa Clara, Calif., firm retools the Internet song-swapping service that shut down in July 2001 during a court fight over copyrights.

Chief Executive Chris Gorog said Napster will reopen as a fee-based service with licensed content this year. The system will likely combine subscription and pay-per-song business models.