Localization is typically performed on software products that are intended for distribution to countries other than where the product was created. Development of a software product requires synchronization between several teams including product development, engineering, documentation, quality assurance and distribution.

At Local Concept, we treat each product uniquely and look closely at each client's requirements for a specific market. We then examine the software development process and adapt our tools, technology and program management based on the client's development cycle.

In a nutshell, here's how we approach each software localization project:
A fact-finding meeting with the client's development team is held to make sure we're thoroughly prepared. Following are examples of the topics we discuss:

• Are the software localization requirements of the target market well defined?
• Is the software internationalized for the local markets and languages?
• Is there an executable version of the software available for localization and testing?
• Are all language resources in a localized format?
• Is there a string length difference between the source and target languages?
• Is there a standard formula for calculating the difference?
• Can the user interface be displayed correctly in the target language?
• Does the software use bitmaps, icons or other image files that require localization?

Key elements addressed during software localization include:

• Software interface
• Tutorials
• Printed collateral and instructional manuals
• On-line help
• Graphics and desktop publishing
• Index localization
• Separation of code from content
• Management of updates
• Double-byte enabling
• Product testing

Time and money are optimized when internationalization efforts are incorporated during the early stages of software development. Enlisting the expertise of Local Concept's internationalization team is critical in helping to identify and incorporate pertinent design and technical information. This comprehensive work effort allows for adjustments to be made more efficiently and ultimately reduces the risk of costly re-engineering. In addition to the obvious cost savings, these cohesive efforts facilitate a simultaneous product launch into foreign markets.

Local Concept provides a number of resources and services to ensure the success of your software localization project, including:

• Highly qualified program managers with extensive localization experience
• In-country localization and engineering
• Development and maintenance of company-wide glossaries
• Testing and review of all programs and documents
• Technical review
• Third-party quality reviews
• On-target knowledge of translation tools