Software Internationalization

Due to time constraints software development often focuses on the programming of the functionality. User friendly terminological consistency with the operating system or layout of the user interface can barely be taken into consideration because of today's high-pressure deadlines.

Shortfalls do not only multiply with the number of target languages:

• The Translators/Proof Readers can not understand the issues because of inconsistent terminology and therefore have to ask for explanations.
• Depending on the target language the translations can be 10-15% longer than the source language, which has not been considered during the design of the user interface.

Furthermore precipitated software design can make the localization more difficult and thus increase effort and costs for internationalization afterwards. Examples are

• strings in the source code instead of using string tables or
• static time or date formats.

Loc4All offers the Verification

• of the user interfaces regarding
  • Layout design and field lengths
  • Consistency of the terminology
  • Style Guides
  • Usability
  • etc.
• of the internationalization capability.