Software Localization Work Process

The work process for a software localization project varies, depending on its complexity. The following describes the complete process, however some of the steps are skipped in simple projects.

Project Planning - Global Translation assigns a project manager to the software localization project. The project manager is the client's single point of contact at Global Translations. The project manager assembles the production team, based on the project requirements: the team includes one or more of the following types of personnel: translators, editors, CAT tools specialists, Internationalization (I18N) engineers, DTP specialists, technical writers, graphic artists.

SOW - A Statement of Work is written to define the resources, deliverables and timetables of the project. The SOW should also address the CAT tools to be used and the style considerations.

Handoff - The project manager receives the relevant files that are to be localized. This includes one or more of the following types of files: resource files, source files, graphics files, On-Line Help files, Documentation (DTP) files. The files can be supplied on CD, or via a secure FTP connection.

Style Guide - A Style Guide is provided to both the client and the relevant members of the production team prior to the project's initiation. One Style Guide should be provided per language. The Style Guide addresses a wide range of issues including: linguistic issues, country-specific issues such as currency, placement of addresses/phone numbers, screen terminology, use of abbreviations, language-specific document conventions.

Strings Extraction - The CAT tools specialists and Internationalization (I18N) engineers, extract the text strings that require translation from the resource/source files.

Translation - The strings are translated into the required languages by the translators, taking the style issues outlined in the Style Guide into consideration. All text is proofread and edited to ensure a high quality translation. Population-The translated strings are inserted into the source files.

Compilation - The resource/source files are compiled to their original file formats. Quality Testing- Global Translations performs visual and linguistic testing on the executable build of the localized software in runtime mode, in the corresponding localized operating environment. This includes the following post-localization tasks:

• Verify correct placement of text and graphics
• Verify consistency of the font and image selection
• Review error messages
• Test major functionalities