Software localization is the process of adapting computer software for a specific region or language by translating text and adding special features to the software so it can be used in a specific locale.

Translating user interfaces from one language to another (while very important) is actually the simplest component of software localization. The two other components of software localization are the need to adapt cultural content and technical issues to a specific audience in a given location.

Users of computer software across the globe expect their software to be written in their own language, and successful software localization should make your software “speak” the language of your customers.

In a commercial setting, a well-executed software localization process can aid in opening new markets and retaining current clients. Software that supports a single language/market is no longer a viable option.

Capital Typing provides software localization services in several languages, enabling clients to deliver software, products, documentation, websites, marketing materials, multimedia, training and educational content to a variety of locales. At Capital Typing, software localization is done once for every single combination of product and locale, and our software localization clients represent a broad array of industries located across the U.S. as well as abroad.

Our software localization professionals have years of successful experience in this highly complex process, and they can handle a wide variety of product platforms and scales. Software localization requires the collaborative efforts of various professionals. At Capital Typing, we count on our highly skilled and experienced translators, graphic designers, programmers and marketing experts to localize software products effectively and successfully.

We provide software localization services for most platforms, including:

• Microsoft Windows
• Mac
• Solaris/Linux
• UNIX
• OSDOS
• OS/2

Our software localization professionals deal expertly with cultural localization issues such as:

• Images and colors (comprehensibility and cultural appropriateness)
• Local Customs and Holidays, etc.
• Social Contexts and Cultural Values
• Government assigned numbers (U.S. Social Security number, U.K. National Insurance number, passport numbers, etc.)
• International telephone numbers, addresses and postal codes …

Each locale also has its specific language issues, legal standards, and other preferences, and these must be incorporated into the adaptation of software as well. Some of these issues are:

• Symbols (currency and positions of currency markers, weights and measures)
• Writing Conventions (date/time formats, calendars, number formats)
• Writing Direction (special support for Arabic, Farsi, East Asian languages, etc.)
• Language localization Issues (national dialects)
• Order of text sorting

These are just some of the issues included in the software localization process and which require changing the data and functionality of a software user’s interface. The simple task of translating text from English, for example, often calls for resizing dialogue boxes and alerts because the text will usually grow by at least 20%, depending on the Target Language.  Adapting graphics and media software components is particularly challenging, requiring the localization of Flash (an integral part of media software). A solid understanding of HTML and ASCII files (ASP, .Net. Java, XML, PHP, RC. VB, String Tables, etc.) is just a small part of the skills required.

Whenever possible, we use binary software localization processes, meaning that all activities are focused on the compiled modules of the application rather than the source files that go into the compilation process. Since fewer files are involved in the process, preparation time is much shorter. Additionally, a second compilation is not required after translation because the translation and visual editing occur directly on the working binary.

Capital Typing’s software localization services have earned a reputation in the industry. Our native-speaking translators, industry specialists and localization engineers ensure the quality of your localized software.  Our meticulous Testing and Quality Assurance process means that we check everything ourselves, from technical specifications to linguistic nuances to regulatory compliance, so you can be 100% sure the job is done right. Contact Capital now.