Announcing a joint venture with an American information distribution specialist, the British Standards Institution says it is ready to provide access to its extensive collection of materials via the internet.

A new publishing company will take on the role of managing and developing BSI's online activities. It will be able to deliver more than 35,000 British Standards, as well as BSI books and related publications.

Services on offer will also include access to materials in draft and the ability to check on any revisions to previously published documents.

"International standards are essential to global trade," says director David Lazenby. "We can now deliver standards and associated material electronically to organisations worldwide."

More information is available on the BSI website: www.bsi.org.uk

Elliott Chase