Since being dug from a grave in which the Big Four (then five) record labels had buried it, Napster has been struggling to achieve the success of its namesake, without coming anywhere near it.

It's had the labels behind it, forcing it into US teaching institutions. It's had the lamescream media behind it, trumpeting its every PR effort as thought it was hard news. It's had one cash injection after another. But none of it has made any difference. And it's been reported that it's on the verge of death. Again.

Now, Google is in talks with Napster over an "extensive alliance" that could include an "outright acquisition'," says Reuters, quoting the New York Post, which in turn cites anonymous sources.

"Google has been pushing to align with Napster - rather than build its own online music store - a sign that Google sees subscription [read rental] services, rather than the individual download model that Apple's iTunes is built on, as the future of digital music, says the New York Post.

A partnership with Google, "would be a positive, but wouldn't likely generate meaningful subscriber growth given Yahoo's lower pricing, dominance of the digital music market by Apple Computer and Google's less-than-impressive traction with its non-search products," says analyst Kit Spring, quoted in Forbes.

And, "we're surprised Google wouldn't just develop its own service."

Also See:
verge of death - Is Napster on its death bed?, January 20, 2006
Reuters - Napster in talks with Google-NY Post, January 31, 2006
New York Post - PLAY FOR NAPSTER, January 31, 2006
Forbes - Napster's Takeover Value Estimated At $3 To $5, January 31, 2006