What is software localization?

Software localization is the process of adapting a software product to the linguistic, cultural and technical requirements of a target market. This process is labour-intensive and often requires a significant amount of time from the development teams.

How does software localization differ from traditional document translation?

Software localization is the translation and adaptation of a software or web product, including the software itself and all related product documentation.

Traditional translation is typically an activity performed after the source document has been finalized. Software localization projects, on the other hand, often run in parallel with the development of the source product to enable simultaneous shipment of all language versions. For example, the translation of software strings may often start while the software product is still in the beta phase.

Translation is only one of the activities in a localization project – there are other tasks involved such as project management, software engineering, testing and desktop publishing.

What is the standard software localization process?

A software product that has been localized properly has the look and feel of a product originally written and designed for the target market. Here are just a number of points that have to be considered, as well as the language, in order to effectively localize a software product or website: measuring units, number formats, address formats, time and date formats (long and short), paper sizes, fonts, default font selection, case differences, character sets, sorting, word separation and hyphenation, local regulations, copyright issues, data protection, payment methods, currency conversion, taxes.

The standard localization process includes the following basic steps:

* Analysis of the material received and evaluation of the tools and resources required for localization

* Cultural, technical and linguistic assessment

* Creation and maintenance of terminology glossaries

* Translation to the target language

* Adaptation of the user interface, including resizing of forms and dialogs, as required

* Localization of graphics, scripts or other media containing visible text, symbols, etc.

* Compilation and build of the localized files for testing

* Linguistic and functional quality assurance

* Project delivery

In today's competitive world, globalization can often be the difference between a product's success and failure. Net-Translators has the expertise you need to translate your software products into over 60 languages and capture a wider target market.

We work with leading software developers as well as smaller technology start-ups, including Adobe, BMC Software, Microsoft and RSA . Our services include user interface localization, internationalization infrastructure, string table translation, interface adaptation and resource compilation.

Inaccurate or inexpert translations can lead to users incorrectly using your product, often with serious negative consequences. Only a proven, professional software translator with a solid understanding of your specific field can provide solutions for your technical translation needs. Net-Translators employs over 500 translators from around the globe, including translation experts with specific industry expertise. Our translation team undergoes extensive professional training and examination on an ongoing basis, in order to ensure that you benefit from the strong expertise required to achieve excellent localization.

What are software localization services?

Competition in the software industry is fierce with many quality products vying for the same market. Differentiation today is not about bells and whistles, but about who best meets the needs of the customer. Translation is the key to a strategic advantage.

Software localization is much more than translating user interfaces from one language to another. It is about adapting all cultural content and technical issues to a specific audience in a given location.

Localization means ensuring that your software "speaks" the language of your customers. In a world of globalization, localization can make the difference between success and failure in your target markets. However, as the business environment becomes increasingly competitive, the challenge of adapting software, documentation, online help, web pages and manuals to conform to the cultural, linguistic and regulatory needs of each customer becomes formidable.

Benefits for vendors as well as users

In five years, the number of non-English speaking Internet users has gone from less than 10% to nearly 64%. Similarly, more non-English speaking users are using localized software products. (Nielsen/Net ratings Internet measurement service.)

Users of computer software expect their software to be written in their own language. Although localization services come at a cost to software developers, it also yields concrete benefits: Besides the immediate benefit of higher worldwide sales, proper localization can also reduce expenses. Users who understand a product fully are more skilled in managing it, more efficient in using it and less likely to make costly mistakes and utilize costly support resources. These are all issues that affect the bottom line. The more skilled and efficient the users, the lower the burden on customer support and services.

Typical Localization Issues

When localizing software products to multiple languages, many details must be attended to:

* Are messages presented in the user's own language?

* Are input fields formatted as is customary in the specific country (names, addresses, dates, and other data)?

* Do keyboard characters act as expected when input is required?

* Do error messages in the local language ensure quick resolution?

The Findhow-Translators Difference

With Findhow-Translators, you benefit from a dedicated team of software localization experts, including internationalization infrastructure knowledge, linguistic and subject matter experts, project management and quality assurance.

We will work closely with you to ensure that translations are 100% accurate and exceed your expectations.

Contact us today!