Microsoft, Amazon to Sell Digital Books

Microsoft Corp. and Amazon.com Inc. said they are teaming up to sell digital books in the latest boost to the electronic alternative to paper and ink. Amazon would use a customized version of Microsoft’s Reader software for downloading and displaying text on a personal computer or hand-held device, the companies said. That is a major step by Amazon, the No. 1 Internet bookseller, toward opening a digital bookstore and making its debut in the nascent industry. Microsoft closed up 69 cents at $71.31 and Amazon closed off 81 cents at $39.13, both on Nasdaq.