| What is Software Localization?The Localization | | | | globalization process can aid in opening new markets |
| Industry Standards Association (LISA) defines | | | | and retaining current clients.Localization is not limited to |
| localization as "the process of modifying products or | | | | translating English into other languages (as most |
| services to account for differences in distinct markets". | | | | software continues to be developed in the U.S.) but |
| Software localization is thus much more than | | | | also includes every language from French, Spanish, |
| translating user interfaces from one language to | | | | Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, etc.benefits both developers |
| another. It is about adapting all cultural content and | | | | and customers alike |
| technical issues to a specific audience in a given | | | | In five years, the number of non-English speaking |
| location.localization means ensuring that your software | | | | Internet users has gone from less than 10% to nearly |
| "speaks" the language of your customers. In a world | | | | 64% of all users. Similarly, user trends are similar. More |
| of globalization, localization can make the difference | | | | and more non-English speaking users are using |
| between success and failure in your target markets. | | | | localized software. (Nielsen/Net ratings Internet |
| However, as the business environment becomes | | | | measurement service)Users of computer software |
| increasingly competitive, the challenge of adapting | | | | expect their software to be written in their own |
| software, documentation, online help, Web pages and | | | | language. Although localization services come at a |
| manuals to conform to the cultural, linguistic and | | | | cost to software developers, it also yields concrete |
| regulatory needs of each customer becomes | | | | benefits: Users who understand a product fully are |
| formidable. Localization has effectively become the | | | | more skilled in managing it, more efficient in using it and |
| cost of doing business in the global | | | | less likely to make costly mistakes. These are all |
| market.Internationalization is the process of translating | | | | issues that affect the bottom line. The more skilled and |
| software UI (user interfaces) from one language to | | | | efficient the users, the lower the burden on customer |
| another and altering it to suit foreign clients and their | | | | support and services.Localization allows users to |
| culture norms. this in not just about translating | | | | interact with applications in their own language and in a |
| languages, but adapting from one culture to | | | | setting that is intuitive to them.For Example:Messages |
| another.Globalization makes your software ready for | | | | are in their own languageInput fields formatted as is |
| the global market. Localization includes the program | | | | customary in the specific country (names, addresses, |
| itself and any online or printed documentation. As the | | | | dates, and other data)Keyboard character standards |
| competition among the many software developers | | | | when input is requiredError messages in the local |
| increases, software companies are increasingly | | | | language ensure quick resolutionCompetition in the |
| challenged to localize its software, documents, web | | | | software industry is fierce with many quality products |
| pages, and manuals to each customer's different | | | | vying for the same market. Differentiation today is not |
| cultural and language needs. In addition, there are | | | | about bells and whistles, but about who best meets |
| increasing regulatory, cultural and compliance pressures | | | | the needs of the customer. Localizing is the key to |
| that companies need to deal with. a well executed | | | | strategic, competitive advantage. |