SOFTWARE LOCALIZATION

Today, as a matter of convenience and productivity, computer software users require software that will speak to them in their own language. This means, for example, that all GUI messages appear in a user’s native language, a user can input dates, numbers, and other data in their respective country formats while using standard keyboard characters, and that error messages are comprehensible rather than appearing only in English. Software translation is, therefore, much more about translating an entire product than just simply text – hence the term software localization.

Successful software localization is the result of several means; most important are the developments of localization (L10n) and internationalization (i18n). Localization is the process of adapting software for a specific region or language by adding locale-specific components and translating text.

Internationalization (i18n) is the process of designing a software application so that it can be adapted to various languages and regions without engineering changes. The processes function in direct complement with each other, and when combined will produce software that functions worldwide. The main points of i18n and L10n are:

• Language
  • Alphabets/scripts
  • Writing direction
  • Numerical systems
  • Spelling variations
• Culture adaptations
• Writing Conventions

MOGI uses a detailed localization process that includes the following stages and project particulars:

• Preparation Tasks:
  • Project schedule creation
  • Source files analysis and verification
  • Project team qualification and selection
  • Analysis of the product and terminology verification
  • Contextual data collection
  • Special instructions verification
• Linguistic and Translation Tasks:
  • Localization of software strings
  • Localization of online help
  • Localization of online documentation
  • Localization of all related marketing and technical material
• Engineering Tasks:
  • Extraction of text strings from the software
  • DTP
  • Character length calculations and corrections
  • Adaptation of accelerator keys, tooltips, tab order, menu options, buttons
  • Adaptation of sorting orders in list boxes
  • Compiling of the help files using help authoring tools
  • Localization of multimedia files and embedded graphics containing text
  • Re-creation of sound effects containing text
• Testing Tasks:
  • Terminology verification
  • Consistency checks against localized software
  • Localization testing
  • GUI testing
  • Functional testing

MOGI has extensive resources and detailed processes to ensure the management of your complete software localization is a seamless development. Accordingly, your international customers will be able to interact with your software in their own language and in a setting that is comfortable to them.

MOGI employs project consultants who will offer guidance and advice throughout the entire software translation process; we guarantee accurate and affordable delivery of your localized software. The MOGI difference:

• Relevant Experience – MOGI has hands-on knowledge of the technical requirements of software localization.
• Methodology – MOGI holds reviews at regular intervals and has procedures in place to identify and address risks and defects early in the software localization process.
• Framework - MOGI translation services are proactive in assisting your developers with the most technical details of internationalization and localization. Additionally, we not only identify risks and issues but we suggest solutions.
• Framework - MOGI ensures first-class quality with dedicated service teams and unparalleled quality assurance procedures.

MOGI can help you achieve all your software translation needs and deliver the very best for your business and clients. Our work is never complete until our clients are fully satisfied.

Contact us today for a free quote on your software translation project.