All You Need to Know about Software localization Services

With changing technology, massive changes have arrived in the world. Today the internet drives the world around, where a few decades back it was used on a limited scale. Perhaps this is the reason why services such as websites and software have sprung up. They continue to evolve with each passing day, with more companies joining the competition. A localized software sets it apart from others. And a business can easily take control of the huge software market by hiring expert software localization services.

Similar to a website, the software requires constant improvement and updates. Once a business has carefully observed its target market and came up with a value proposition, it needs to take a look at its software. Localization of software might seem like a tough task but given the right support, it has enormous benefits. For this reason, some software developers take the help of a reliable and professional translation agency to get the job done. Others focus on strengthening their value proposition by hiring advertising translation services to translate their advertisement and promotions before software localization.

Software localization is an important part of the whole localization and adaptation process. To get you started on the journey to software localization, here are a few tips.

Tips on localizing your Software

Research, research, and research

Research is perhaps the most important tip of the whole localization process. One cannot simply omit this step. This is why companies should first carry out an extensive analysis of the target market. These companies cannot fully verify that their software would be appreciated in that market without this proper research. For this, you need to first narrow down your focus to a single or individual market that would probably be interested in using your software. Surprisingly, your software may appeal to few users in a region who may be simply waiting for a localized version. A majority of people want a software in their native tongue.

Consider UI for localization

Planning for a localized UI is an essential step in the localization process. In order to make an impression on the users, your software has to be attractive and beautifully presented. Although many companies overlook minor mistakes in the localization process, such mistakes can cost them their competitive advantage. Your software UI needs to be as appealing to the target customer as it is in your local market. If that does not happen, there is little sense in localizing your software for the local market.

Choose your translators well

You need to choose the right people for the job before jumping on the bandwagon to get your software localized in multiple languages. You cannot simply hire a person who knows your target language and hopes to get a localized version of your software. The software requires extensive scrutiny and knowledge before localization. This is why it is important to hire expert translators who can get the job done for you on time.

Make use of a TMS

A translation management software is the ultimate ingredient for the professional and localized software. No business would engage in the hassle of choosing spreadsheets and emails for planning its localization process. Instead, they would choose a translation management system (TMS) to speed up the manual work. A proper TMS has the right features to allow you to manage, translate, and monitor your translation project at any time.

Common Software Localization Challenges

Here are a few of the most common challenges in the software localization process.

A lack of context for strings

Keeping translatable content in an external resource file is considered suitable in many cases for localization. However, the strings saved as .xml, .json, and other file formats usually lack context. This is why it is important to provide an explanation of the words in your file to clarify the context. A failure to do so might lead to delays, money losses, and a mess in communication.

Problem of exclusion of strings

It is not easy to modify a resource file for software localization. While it can be done manually, the chances of errors are high in this process. it might lead to more work if any mistakes are made. In addition, resource files might sometimes contain content that is unnecessary for translation and need not be included in the project. The excessive words might add to unnecessary information which would ultimately lead to high costs of the project.

Testing and Fixing

You need to test your software after it has been localized. Chances are that a number of issues will spring up. This is why you need to plan ahead of the localization process in order to handle these issues effectively. Examples include fixing the layout, improving the quality of translation, and addition of new content. For this, choose a reliable software localization service that will make the testing process easier for you.

The Last Word

Localizing software is imperative for a firm to have its eyes on the global customer. All you need to do is to make sure it is handled by an Professional Translation Agency whose translators have the skills to localize your software elements efficiently. Likewise, you should also plan ahead of the localization process in order to make the whole journey an easy one.