We all have faced an issue while trying to set up an electronic device that originally was constructed in another language, and that is where software localization comes into use. With software localization, a program can be usable and enjoyable to use.
There are billions of people who prefer to engage with content or products in their language, and they won’t be easily satisfied by a simple translation it needs much more than just an easy translation. Here is the place where the importance of software localization is known.
But before moving any further, the question arises here what software localization is?
What is Software Localization?
Software localization is the process of adapting a web or mobile application or software to the cultural and linguistic requirements of the target market. It involves not just only translation but also design and UX changes, to make the software look and feel natural to the target market.
Most software is designed in English which also hinders the exercise of making the software globally acceptable. Localization of software used for adapting the software to use various languages and locales. It also includes adaptation visually such as colors, menus, etc.
Localization is a lot more complex than just standard translation. It is easier to think that software localization involves only changing the target language in a few sects of the software. However, localizing software goes a lot further than that.
Localization involves translating a software interface from the source language to the target language. Measurement, date and time, and currencies localized according to the target market and language. Terminology is altered to the local culture of the target market. The ultimate goal of localization is to create a faithful version of a product or service that should be wholly enjoyed by potential customers following their cultural background.
Why should we localize software?
The need to localize software has become an essential phenomenon because without software localization products or services cannot make the same impact on international users as those in the home country. Did you know that the global software localization market was valued at $5.9 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $15.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2023 to 2032.
A poorly translated or localized product can damage the brand image and global sales. Software localization helps to avoid these pitfalls. Using localized software can help you enter a new market.
For the growth of business globally and to make your product accessible to different languages like Asian languages, western European language localizing software is necessary. One of the aspects of localizing software is that building a product in a local market in the target language can be more specialized for users in that market. Successful localization projects that work wonders for the business. Localized software allows users to connect software in a language and locale that feels homely to users.
How does Software Localization work?
The software localization process is portrayed in three forms:
1. Waterfall Localization
It takes place at a specific time in software development, the kit takes place and either at the end (post-release method) or during a definite period(string freeze manner). Once the translated text is completed by the localization service provider, the software string is uploaded for merging and publishing.
2. Agile Localization
Agile localization always syncs the development process with the localization process, it’s done so that they both operate simultaneously. Modified strings were automatically detected by localization software and delivered when they were ready for merging and publishing. It is more efficient and flexible when it comes to localization workflow.
3. Continuous Localization
It makes localization automated and seamless. It is somewhat similar to agile localization, it integrates with CI/CD method companies use to deliver software to customers. Here the content is always ready to release.
These are the process of localization.
Importance of Software Localization
Localization is used to generate a user-friendly version of the product that the target market can enjoy in their native language. Developing software in just one language could be a factor in losing our audience in different regions. A Good Software localization ensures credibility by preserving original content, this helps the users to understand the product and helps in a better user experience.
Cultural differences are crucial for any company to expand in the global market. Many companies have faced losses because they entered the targeted market without localizing the software and witnessed huge losses as the customers were incapable of relating with the product. Whereas the companies which have entered the global market considering the cultural differences and linguistic barriers and modified their software accordingly have seen the growth of products and companies in the targeted market.
By considering everything about cultural indifferences, the user interface helps cultivate trust in the targeted market and also helps in further expanding into the targeted market.
Here are some of the importance of localization:
- Visibility of Brand
- Wider market
- Global users
- Increase in engagement rate
- Cost-effective
- Boosts user experience
Advantages of Software Localization
Here are some of the advantages of localization:
Profits by Software Localization
When a product or service is translated or localized, it opens up a new world of opportunities. Localization is considered a substantial investment. It also creates an increase in profit for the product. So, software localization can be reckoned as an aggregate and worthwhile path for engaging.
Competitive Market
Whenever a localized product or service is acknowledged in the market, competition is evident. In the present-day world, the software market is becoming more and more aggressive and vast. Devoting the product towards a sustained localization strategy can bring a chance of discriminating itself in international markets.
Increased User Engagement
A Good localized product will allow the potential customer to understand and feel the benefits of the products. Admirable software localization involves global reach and ensures optimal functioning, and content modification also allows the consumers to benefit from the services that would lead to increased user engagement.
Improves Credibility
Creating an image that is credible to the target market is of utmost importance for gaining software users. And to achieve this trustworthiness, it is foremost to modify the software for potential customers in their language.
These are some of the advantages of Localization.
Still have some queries on which format to opt? Worry not, drop an email to info@naargmedia.com. Our team will help you from planning to deployment of localization.
