Software Localization

How Is Localization Different from Translation?

Localization of software is adapting software for use in various languages and locales. Localization involves more than just translation of User Interface (UI) and documentation. Software may need to be adapted for dealing with:

• Local APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), operating systems, search engines, or even currency and accounting standards;
• Double-byte characters used in Asian languages, such as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean;
• Right-to-left writing systems of Arabic, Hebrew, or Farsi;
• Culture-dependent meanings of icons and underlying connotations of color schemes;
• Sorting algorithms for non-Roman character sets;
• Enabling various input methods;
• Locale-dependent variations, such as date formats (dd-mm-yyyy vs. mm-dd-yyyy), calendar systems (e.g., The Japanese use an Imperial Calendar, and Muslim and Hebrew calendars are based on lunar months), currency, address formats, etc.

TECHLINK INTERNATIONAL localizes various types of software applications ranging from web development to medical device software applications.

For technical applications where interactive software has been developed as a design or operating tool, TECHLINK INTERNATIONAL can localize your custom software to be easily used by those in other locations around the world.  The custom software remains functionally the same: Only the user interface changes to allow users to use the tool more easily and accurately.

TECHLINK INTERNATIONAL’s localization team has rich experiences in using the following localization tools:

• TRADOS
• WorldServer
• Catalyst
• Passolo
• LocStudio
• Heartsom
• SDLX
• Suntrans
• RoboHelp

TechLink International’s localization process adheres to the standards set by the Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA)