Software localization services are the need of the hour. Due to technological advancement, you can easily localize your software and reach customers before your competitors. Some companies are developing software for their employees while others are developing software for their customers. Whatever the target market is, the software can be of better use if it is localized. Therefore, many companies hire professional companies to get robust software localization services.
What are Software Localization Services?
Don’t confuse software localization and translation. Software localization is one step ahead of translation. It translates the content while keeping regional and cultural differences in view. Localization services help you provide a better user experience by making your software resonate with the target market’s culture. In the case of software, the user interface, graphics, and navigation are designed according to the preferences of the target market.
5 Best Practices for Software Localization
Software localization is a very difficult process. It makes software adaptable to foreign target markets. In the localization software process, you have to change the interface of the software by changing the menu, dialogue boxes, error and status messages, graphical scripts, and CTA buttons.
The main difference between translation and software localization is that translation is related to source documents whereas software localization relates to the development of the source product.
When you compare the simple translation with software localization then you will come to know that software includes software engineering, desktop publishing, and testing. Let’s have a look at 5 best practices for software localization.
Plan Ahead
Many companies make a mistake when they try to localize the software after its release. Often it becomes a last-minute hustle. To get rid of this problem, the companies should keep localization in mind from the development of the software.
The scope and schedule of the software project have to be in consideration to avoid translation and localization errors. Moreover, they also have to keep testing and regression in account to produce quality software.
Text Strings Expansion and Contraction
The design of the software is your intellectual property. If your software looks confusing then people will not prefer to use it. Therefore, you have to put extra effort to make it appealing with its functionality. During the translation process, some texts expand and some contract so you have to consider text size in the software localization process.
Some languages take 30% more space after localization. Therefore, if your software does not have ample space, it will spoil the design of the software. So, your software should be flexible enough to accommodate 35 to 40% expansion.
Start With the Product Page
Releasing your software for a global audience is a very difficult task. If you are not aware of the business plans for your software then you cannot compete in the global market. The first page of the software shows its functionality. It is observed that even after changing the interface of the software, many software get excellent sales.
Therefore, you have to prepare and localize the landing page by giving attention to details. Make sure to localize the pictures, time zones, and currencies according to the cultural and regional differences.
Use Punctuation During Coding
While you are coding, there is a probability that you will not use punctuation signs. You can think of adding a punctuation sign later on. Or maybe, you want to use localized string somewhere else. You have to create different strings for different lines and use punctuation in context.
Punctuation in software is important because different punctuation with the same sequence of words will change the meaning of the text altogether.
Don’t Hardcode Time, Currency, And Dates
Don’t hardcode date, time, and currency. You can localize all these elements with the help of Java. As an alternative to hardcoding time, currency, and dates, you can use a universal format like ISO time. Moreover, you can use formats for various locations from the open-source library.
Wrapping Up
For localization, you have to select a professional translation company. Professional translation companies can optimize the software localization services process by using the above 5 best practices.
