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Localization is the process of adapting and fine-tuning various aspects of your product or service to the exact needs of a specific target audience. It should be thought of as an investment, not an expense. A2Z Global can help you develop and implement a localization plan to ensure that your investment pays off.
More explicitly, software localization is the conversion of the User Interface (UI) and supporting materials of a product from its original language, to fit the language and cultural nuances of a target locale. It is much more than the simple translation of the written elements of a software package or a product.
Localization of software was once thought to be something that came after the long and tedious process of design and development, after all the bugs were painstakingly removed. Now, most companies realize that it is far cheaper and easier to integrate localization into the earliest planning stages of a product.
Localization can be a complex process, however, one requiring a mix of technical, linguistic, quality assurance and managerial skills that few companies can afford to develop and keep in-house. Today, even the largest software companies choose to outsource this specialized service.
“Overflow capacity in unstable demand environments for nonstandard products and services has universally been effective and beneficial where there is a long term contractual outsourcing relationship between the creator and the supporter.”
A2Z Global teams have localized software for many corporations throughout the world utilizing experts for:
Project planning and management
Cultural and linguistic adaptation
On-line help and documentation translation
We have invested heavily in all the major hardware platforms and operating systems, including DOS, Windows 95/98/2000/XP, Windows NT, Unix and Macintosh. Computer-aided translation tools (our own as well as standard industry tools) are used to reduce costs, insure uniformity and minimize time-to-market.
A2Z Global staff has experience in the localization of a wide variety of software applications, including:
Client-server and operating systems
Financial and statistical software
Enterprise-wide software for financial, human resources, sales management and accounting
Hardware – computers, printers and fax/modems
Networking and telecommunications
Defense systems
Map software
Telephone, video boards and video conferencing
Environmental and chemical safety standards
Business applications – spreadsheets, utilities and databases
CAD and graphics software
Multimedia and digital imaging
Baptizing the Team
A2Z Global planning teams work with your staff to establish criteria, allocate resources, and assign responsibilities for each localization project. Together, we will determine the scope of each project and identify technical issues, define milestones and set deadlines.
Software reviews prior to the translation effort and application-specific training for our translators insure that the team approaches the product from the users’ viewpoint. Results – improved translation quality and valuable feedback about the application and its usability.
Once a detailed plan is in place, the language teams will work in tandem. We emphasize centralized project management, which affords absolute control of every component of each job.
Most projects will involve three major areas:
The user interface
On-line help and CBT
User documentation
All of these require the development of appropriate glossaries, translation, proofreading and editing, resizing and reformatting, compiling, graphic editing and the replacement of screen captures. Linguistic and functionality tests are implemented, as well as tests to assure compliance with appropriate quality and technology standards.
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