5/14/2001 -- Microsoft's publishing division has teamed with digital content provider iUniverse.com to offer custom versions of Microsoft Press books.

According to a press release issued this week, customers can browse the Microsoft Press Web site and compile individual chapters from select titles into a single custom book, which can be delivered in electronic or print form.

"For technology processionals, it's not uncommon to seek a book with a specific issue in mind, only to find key information spread among several published titles," James Mastan, director of the Professional Product Group at Microsoft Press, said in a printed statement. "The promise of custom publishing offers interesting prospects for our customers....we can now offer customized packages of content and provide customers with the information they need in the format most convenient for them."

Currently, the program offers chapters from 35 titles, but Microsoft said it plans to add more. In testing the site, we found that the price for each chapter is around $6.40 in PDF and e-book format; a hard-copy book with three chapters cost apx. $20.

To try the system yourself, visit http://www.mspress.microsoft.com/. -B.N.