Latest Blog Entries
How to Create a Quote for Software Translation ServicesNovember 22, 2011 4 Comments
Software translation, software globalization and software localization are all terms used to describe the process of taking a software application that is in one language, English for example, and translating it into other languages, say Portuguese or Spanish. One of the first questions companies ask when inquiring about software translation services provided by a translation agency is "how much will it cost?"
This is the third in a series of four blogs in which I will share a quick approach to calculating translation costs for documents, software, websites and multimedia translation services. While the approach described is somewhat generic and must be modified depending on the type of software translation project we are talking about, the basic line items and metrics needed to understand the costs for software translation below should still be helpful. I am covering calculating costs of translating an application only, not internationalizing an application. All of the ingredients listed below are relevant when you are communicating with your language services translation agency to obtain a quote or estimate for project costs.
- Category:
- Software Translation
- Tags:
- software, translation, localizatio, globalization
6 Considerations When Preparing for Software TranslationMarch 31, 2011 4 Comments
This blog focuses on just six of several dozen considerations to be made when preparing your application for software translation. To simplify things in this blog, we will assume that your application is for Windows and uses standard windows programming tools and environments.
Software translation and localization can be highly complex because of the challenges involved seeing program text strings in context. Many of our previous blogs have touched on software and website localization. Ideally, a software application should be internationalized before either translation or localization takes place. Our previous blog, “Why Internationalize Your Code Base,” covers the main concepts in that arena.
- Category:
- Software Globalization
- Tags:
- Software, translation, localization, internationalization, strings
Software Translation, Software Localization and Software InternationalizationFebruary 17, 2011 14 Comments
Many customers new to translation are confused by the terms "translation", "localization" and "internationalization." Although each term describes a distinct process for multilingual software projects, translation and localization are often used almost interchangeably. This blog clears up the mystery around these basic concepts, which are closely related to one another.
Software translation is also known as "software globalization." In order to "translate" software into other languages, you will probably need both internationalization (I18N) and localization (L10N) services. Most translation companies or language service providers (LSPs) use the term globalization for the combination of internationalization and localization.
- Category:
- Software Translation
- Tags:
- software, translation, localization, globalization, internationalization
11 Project Management Challenges for Translation Projects, Part 2December 16, 2010 1 Comments
Clients who are new to website translation, software translation and document translation projects frequently misunderstand their own role for delivering well-defined content in the correct file format, with specific instructions to their translation agency. Project Management is a critical components for successful translation and localization projects.
Our previous blog, 11 Project Management Challenges for Translation Projects, Part 1, discussed how your translation agency will assign a qualified project manager to lead your translation team efforts. Issues covered in Part 1 included: missing files, neglecting to submit translation memories for file analysis, understanding timeframes, realistic expectations for rush projects and the critical need for glossaries in translation projects. This blog reviews the second half of 11 common translation project management challenges and recommendations for best practices.
- Category:
- Document Globalization
- Tags:
- translation, software, website, document, directory structure, project management
11 Project Management Challenges for Translation Projects, Part 1December 14, 2010 3 Comments
One of the key components of successful translation and localization projects is Project Management. Your translation agency will assign a qualified project manager to lead translation team efforts, to direct traffic and communication in order to reach critical project milestones and successful project delivery.
Clients who are new to website translation, software translation and document translation projects frequently misunderstand their own responsibilities for delivering well-defined content in the correct file format, with reasonable instructions to their translation company. This blog reviews the first half of 11 common translation project management challenges and recommendations for best practices. You may view the second and final blog in this series, 11 Project Management Challenges for Translation Projects, Part 2.
- Category:
- Document Globalization
- Tags:
- translation, software, website, document, source files, project management
- What’s the difference between Translation Agency, Localization Services and LSP?
October 19, 2010 4 Comments
All of us have heard or read terms like translation agency, translation company, localization agency and language service provider (LSP). Many people new to translation and localization are sometimes confused by the jargon.
This blog post will help clear up the confusion with the often interchangeable terms "translation" and "localization" as well as other terminology associated with the translation industry. Although translation and localization have distinct meanings, the term localization has gained popularity and is sometimes used in place of translation.
- Category:
- Document Translation
- Tags:
- translation agency, localization services, LSP, copy writing, localization, internationalization, globalization, website, software, locale, GILT, CJKV, FIGS, BRIC
What You Need To Know About Graphic LocalizationJune 03, 2010 1 Comments
Most discussions on translation and localization projects focus on text content in documentation, websites or software user interfaces. Graphics containing text also need to be translated or localized. Graphic localization falls into two primary categories: (1) Screen captures or screenshots (images of software or web user interface with text in the target language). (2) Text callouts and captions within illustrations that need to be localized.
This blog will focus on issues specific to graphic localization. Localizing graphics is a common step in most localization projects. For information on other steps you may wish to review our downloadable Document Globalization Guide for more information on DTP. Go to page 3 for specifics regarding graphic localization.
Why Internationalize Your Code BaseApril 20, 2010 0 Comments
It is a well known fact that English is no longer the universal language for reaching an Internet audience. Statistics show that although English is still the first language used on the Internet, it is now the primary spoken language for only about 30% of Internet users around the globe. English is also among the languages that has shown the slowest growth on the Internet since 2000. While there are around 2.5 times more English Internet users in 2009 than in 2000, Chinese and Spanish Internet users have increased 9 and 6 times respectively over the same period of time.
A portion of the 70% of non-English users on the Internet may also speak English as a second language. This percentage of non-English users who know English as a second language will actually reduce while Internet penetration across other languages continues to grow.
Welcome to GPI's Translation Blog! Being a Translation Agency means finding ourselves immersed in all types of interesting discussions about global business, translation companies, document translation, software translation, website translation, global search engine marketing and optimization (SEM/SEO) and a wide range of language translation and technology topics. With our Translation Blog, we will try to share those conversations with you!
Enjoy the ones you find interesting and feel free to start a discussion with our team and the world!
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