Developed from a manual for users of HP 9000 computers, this slim book begins with an approach to the general development of internationalized software. Much of the discussion centers on UNIX- and C-based software systems. Cross-language character handling, translating of system messages, environment-setting techniques, and end-user-oriented running of country-specific software are all covered. The chapter coverage, in order, includes understanding internationalization issues, running the software, developing internationalizable programs, HP-UX-specific topic message cataloguing, HP-UX native language support issues, and finally creating a new language environment for existing  software. 

All the advantages and disadvantages of a manual are apparent in this book. The book is paginated in manual fashion, chapter by chapter, perhaps to make it less apparent that the chapters total only 140 pages. The three appendices are of use only to users of the HP-UX environment, as is a great deal of information in the main body of the text, including all of chapters 5 and 6. The short glossary adds little, and while the index at first glance seems impressive, a closer perusal reveals that it leaves out any reference to any specific human language or country. This is quite a startling achievement in a book that professes to speak about customizing software to specific nations, and seeks to address both end users and software developers.

If you are an HP-UX developer seeking to market your software in multiple nations, this book may be useful to you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.