Many companies understand that software localization is necessary for expansion into overseas markets, but they don’t know where or how to start the process. A basic understanding of how the process works can save your firm time and money, but more importantly, it can ensure a successful result.
If you’re not familiar with the process of localizing your software, take a look at these tips before getting started.
Identify Exactly What Needs To Be Translated
In order to properly meet your deadline and budget for localization, it is critical to determine ahead of time what text you have to translate, otherwise, you may have to deal with time and cost overages, or worse, a program that doesn’t work for your overseas clientele.
In most cases, user interface and documentation are two major aspects of all software that needs to be translated. You also will need to include the online help function, as well as the content that will be posted in the discussion forum, if your software has one.
Prepare All Files Ahead of Time
Making sure all text is ready to be translated before you begin can help the process go more quickly and smoothly. This typically means you must incorporate all of the text to be translated into a single file.
The next step is to write all text as resource strings. To make this easier, find out if the development tool you use has its own tips on crafting your software in a way that makes localization easy. This process is known as globalization, a way of making your code and business artifacts more amenable to the translation and localization processes. This is important if you plan to translate for more than one foreign market.
Ensure the User Interface Can Handle Multiple Languages
A sentence in one language can take up a lot more ― or less ― room than it does in another language. If you want to avoid having to alter the user interface to accommodate every translation, make sure it can adapt for all target languages. Allow ample extra space to account for more or less content for every language you will use.
Thoroughly Test the Results
Before you conclude the software localization process, it’s important to test your results. First, have a native speaker of the language check to make sure the content makes sense.
It’s also important to make sure the software is fully functional as well as visually appealing after the localization is complete. Your goal should be to provide the same level of quality, regardless of the target market your software is meant to reach.
The software localization process can be time-consuming and complex, not to mention confusing. Nevertheless, it is critical that you succeed at it if you want to make a good impression in more than one market. One way to ensure your success is to trust a professional translation and localization expert to guide you through the process.
Verbatim Solutions is the trusted expert of Fortune 100 companies and small businesses alike. Contact us today for more information and assistance with your software localization project.
