Localization

Resources regarding localization including providers and the services they offer

Localization is the process of adapting documentation, websites, software, online help and manuals to a certain language, culture and desired location. It includes language translation, details regarding time zones, money, national holidays, and gender roles. Companies do this by taking and modifying the source code for a product developed for a country to satisfy the needs of those countries.

Software Localization encompasses adapting all cultural and technical issues to an audience in a particular location. The process involves teams of developers in different countries, which means that a successfully localized service or product is one that local companies develop within the targeted culture. Some reasons to localize are:

1. Localization increases revenue.

2. If your are in the business of providing worldwide services, then your product or service will need to be translated in language and format.

3. Translation gives your product or service and your business an advantage in the market.

 

Employ a localization provider

You can obtain localization services through translating companies that assist your business in translating any multimedia into another language. These providers also offer software localization and the translation of training and eLearning content.
Try: Avral Technologies Limited offers a directory of translation companies and includes LionBridge, which is the leading provider of localization services. Lucyol is a provider that presents their translation process as well as the localization services they supply.

Draw on localization resources to further your knowledge of the process

There are organizations that provide conferences, seminars and consulting if you are new to localization and wish to train your employees, attain more knowledge or are looking to network. These resources can also include consulting companies that provide localization quotes.
Try: Multilingual Microsite allows you to type in information about your business and your localization project so that someone will get in touch with you regarding an estimated price. The Localization Institute offers conferences, onsite and online seminars, and professional consulting. The Localization Industry Standard Association is the premier localization resource that has everything you need to know about localization as well as, as the name suggests, localization standards.

Make the most of software and website localization

You can consult a localization provider to acquire software and website localization services or you can go to a provider that specializes specifically in these services.
Try: WorldLingo provides web localization to government, corporations and online businesses. Lingobit offers software called Lingobit Localizer that simplifies the localization process. The website also has a guide to software localization and software demo.

 

• Before you have your software, website or other multimedia translated, your developers should program the source codes so that website localization will be easier. The localization process could be longer and more costly if developers do not program the software properly.

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