Startup to spread Gnutella

Newtella Inc. on Monday announced it has begun operations to develop and promote software for sharing MP3 files using the Gnutella protocol.

"Although peer-to-peer sharing of MP3 files is nothing new, Newtella addresses the security issues inherent in the Gnutella protocol and provides stability so that everyone can enjoy the freedom to share digital music," said founding partner Neill Mollard in a news release on the Saratoga, Calif., company's Web site.

Newtella's software, which the company said is in the final stages of development, will let users share music like the embattled Napster service. Newtella's network, however, will be decentralized, the company said. A beta version of the software, which is based on open-source code, will be available for free download within the next three weeks, Newtella said. -- ZDNet News staff