Software Localization & Translation Services

Approaching Software Localization Practically

There are a lot of moving parts to consider in the software localization process. Overall, it breaks down to four S’s:

Scope	Schedule	Stakeholders	Systems
The scope includes all the content to be translated, including text, media files, and the overall UX, as well as the extent of the language changes and variants. Sitting down and outlining the scope of the project itself is a long-tailed task that requires thoughtful completion to reduce the risk of creep and unexpected expenses.	It’s very easy to underestimate the time you need to effectively translate your software, even with the best experts on board. You need a strict timeline that allows space for changes, revisions, and testing.	Who is responsible for what in the grand scheme? This is a pain point where many localization efforts fall apart as there are too many people involved in a single process. It leads to differing opinions, internal arguments, and disparate directives. There must be a defined structure in place and a key person responsible for signing off.	A system is anything that holds or defines crucial data and requires preparation for the process. This covers the internationalization of existing software. It also covers your workflows, management of translation memories, and integration of other programs into the localization ecosystem.

Master the software localization process

Internationalization	Preparing software for local language settings is an extremely detailed process of managing Unicode compliance, locating and eliminating hard-coded strings, building support for bidirectional languages, and evaluating application or location-specific issues.
Centralization	Establishing a single source for translation memories and lexicons is vital to eliminate segmentation and information silos. Without centralization, developers will likely work within different sets of standards, which results in a non-cohesive program.
Testing	Testing needs to focus on both globalized and localized programs. Globalization testing will ensure the program functions in any locale while localization testing establishes appropriate content and user experience for a specific market.

Tips for managing software localization

Software localization best practices

Managing Localization on a Global Scale

Localization provides a group of unique challenges for developers as it introduces some new tasks into the equation that can get quite complex for the company’s internal teams to manage. The three additional challenges with a software localization project include:

	API Integration This is a significant time-saver for managing localization across systems as the same information in the content management system, for example, can be transferred to another application and vice versa. API integration eliminates redundant tasks and ensures a consistent voice. A powerful command-line interface will also allow for greater control and operation and is a vital part of the system.
	Translation Memory Translation memories will support users with previously translated strings as they handle similar words and phrases in the future. An excellent tool will also allow users to “grade” these results to show future users how much they can trust the match and when they should give it a second look.
	Transparent Communication Tools Communication tools need to be designed for collaboration, allowing both developers and reviewers to comment in the same thread and keep track of past exchanges. Ideally, this will also permit direct contact with translators involved in the project, as well as offer built-in quality assurance modules to ensure localization transparency.
	Artificial Intelligence AI may be a bit of a buzz phrase across the technical landscape these days, but in localization, it’s indispensable. By using an AI algorithm to match linguists with companies, as an example, you save time in the selection process and gain the best possible partner for the project.

Software translation services and tools to consider

Knowing When to Localize Your Software

When should you localize? While the most obvious answer is that you should localize your product when you intend to enter a new market, it’s well worth considering the challenges ahead of time. Companies that localize their software see a lot of benefits, including gaining a competitive edge, increasing their reach and name recognition, and improving user engagement. With localization, you can take your product to the next level and map out a clear path for future growth.

The right software localization services can help you streamline this experience. They will eliminate common issues with internationalization, centralization, and quality. You can gain access to a wide range of tools for simplifying the translations and reach out to experts in your target market. With these services, you gain the benefits of localization without the drawbacks involved in implementation.

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