The Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA) defines
localization as "the process of modifying products or services
to account for differences in distinct markets". translation
is thus 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.
translation/Localization means ensuring that your application
"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. Localization has effectively
become the cost of doing business in the global market.
Translation is the process of translating UI (user
interfaces) from one language to another and altering it to
suit foreign clients and their culture norms. This Process
is not just about translating languages, but adapting software
from one culture to another.
Translation makes you ready for the global market. Localization
includes the program itself and any online or printed documentation.
As the competition among the many software developers increases,
companies are increasingly challenged to localize , documents,
web pages, and manuals to each customer's different cultural
and language needs. In addition, there are increasing regulatory,
cultural and compliance pressures that companies need to deal
with. Translation can aid in opening new markets and retaining
current clients.
Localization is not limited to translating English into other
languages (as most applications continues to be developed
in the U.S.) but also includes every language from French,
Spanish, Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, German, Japanese etc.
The translation process benefits both developers and customers
alike
In five years, the number of non-English speaking Internet
users has gone from less than 10% to nearly 64% of all users.
Similarly, software user trends are similar. More and more
non-English speaking users are using localized software. (Nielsen/Net
ratings Internet measurement service)
Users of computer applications expect their applications
to be written in their own language. Although localization
comes at a cost to software developers, it also yields concrete
benefits: Users who understand a product fully are more skilled
in managing it, more efficient in using it and less likely
to make costly mistakes. These are all issues that affect
the bottom line. The more skilled and efficient the users,
the lower the burden on customer support and service.
Localization allows users to interact with applications in
their own language and in a setting that is intuitive to them.
For Example :
Messages are in their own language
Input fields formatted as is customary in the specific country (names, addresses, dates, and other data)
Keyboard character standards when input is required
Error messages in the local language ensure quick resolution
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
strategic, competitive advantage.
Net -Translators related services :
Localization of software products is a highly complex process.
Our localization team has years of successful experience in
this field in a wide variety of product platforms and scales.
We specialize in :
User interface localization - including string table translation, interface adaptation (mirroring, enabling, resizing), resource compilation and functional testing.
User assistance localization - online help translation and adaptation, help compilation (RTF or HTML based).
