Localization Services
Localization
It is the process of adapting all types of documents, materials, software, multimedia and websites to fit a target culture or language. Localization services include translation of texts but go one step further and account for accurate adaptation of images, graphics, code, and even messages to fit a specific target audience.
Argos Localization Services
Localization Services have grown to become one of the core elements of our service operations at Argos. Through the years Argos has put a lot of effort into expanding its localization department so that it is prepared to handle the growing demand for high-quality translations of software and related documentation. All of this in an effort to be ready to immediately handle your project no matter how big or small.
To this end, Argos created a separate software and website localization department that offers a wide array of services to both our end clients and localization agencies worldwide. Currently, Argos’ localization services are capable of handling projects for small businesses and global corporations alike. We complete all of our localization projects, regardless of size, in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Argos specializes in localization of:
- software
- on-line help
- user documentation
- websites
- multimedia materials:
- e-learning platforms
- computer games
- interactive packages
- educational software
To find out how we would approach your localization project simply
send us an inquiry and one of our associates will reply with specific information.
A complete localization solution
Argos has all of the means to effectively localize your application because of our:
- Knowledgeable and experienced project managers who skillfully guide the project from its inception to its successful completion.
- Expert programmers and application testers who can extract the necessary sections for translation and localization (without harming the source code) and can then recompile the application and test it to make sure that it is fully functional in the target language.
- Pool of highly qualified translators and proofreaders who specialize in the subject matter of a given application and who are familiar with the needs of end clients.
- Professional audio/visual production facilities that use only highly qualified personnel such as professional actors and experienced technical staff.
- Linguistic and technical consultants to advise on the product’s specifications.
- State-of-the-art localization tools. Our experts will choose the best tools to use for the application to be localized - it is imperative that each application to be localized must be analyzed and the best localization tool chosen. There is no one universal tool for all localization projects. Argos owns licenses for all the major localization tools. (See the type of tools we use for our localization projects.
Software Localization
Argos specializes in the localization of software applications, on-line help and documentation. Below you will find a step-by-step description of the software localization process at Argos. The steps listed only outline the major stages of the Argos software localization procedure. Every localization project is unique and requires a slightly different approach.
Did you know that although all text displayed between double quotation marks in software resource files requires translation, there are some exceptions to the rule! Words such as “Button”, “Custom1”, “Caption” or “Static” should typically remain in English.
The Software localization process:
- Sizing and creating project plan: a precise count of all language-dependent components, which is used as the basis for preparing a project plan. All the steps necessary to deliver a fully localized application are planned in advance.
- Preparation of reference material: preparation of reference materials that will be used during the translation.
- Extraction of translatable strings from software: text that should not be translated is protected from any changes.
- Software text translation: translation of software application resources such as dialog boxes, menus, and strings (error messages, status messages and help text).
- Linguistic testing: linguistic validation of the translated text.
- Functionality testing: testing the functionality of the application and technical tests of the application are carried out.
- The localized software version is delivered to the client.
If there are any comments from the client, they are adopted in the application before the updated version is sent back to the client.
Did you know?
Did you know that it is important to make string buffers long enough to accommodate for text expansion. For example, text space expands 20% when it is translated from English into Polish. If the buffers for the text are not long enough, the text will be truncated.
Some things we consider when localizing:
- Since Polish text expands up to 20% when translated from English, we have to allow for text expansion in dialog boxes. The user interface sometimes has to be enlarged to accommodate the translated text. At times, we might also have to change the font and font size.
- We might have to adjust icons or bitmaps of people, hand gestures, holiday symbols, or body language. Some of these images are not generic and cannot be used in Poland as elsewhere.
- We ensure that the product supports different calendars as well as date and time formats. Also we make certain that different number formats, currencies, weights, and measurement systems are supported.
- All the hot keys have to be altered to correspond to the translation of the menu items.
Localization Engineering
In addition to handling the technical translation required in a localization project and offering consulting and training to companies wanting to introduce translation memory systems in their offices, we also offer more sophisticated engineering services for companies that require it. To assist you, we can offer the following:
- Analysis of source material
- Sizing of a product
- Terminology setup
- Preparation of source material for localization
- Engineering and testing of software/website
- Extraction of all translatable text from software/website
- Resizing of the user interface
- Compilation of the localized resource files into a running application
- Functionality testing of the localized software or website
- Final QA
- Creation of screen captures
Experience is crucial
Our senior localization engineers have extensive experience in managing many large and complex projects. One such project was two million words. Localization engineers at Argos need to have experience with a wide range of localization tools. Each project has its own specifications and there is no one universal solution for all projects. Our experienced localization engineers are responsible for all the technical aspects of localization projects: project analysis, project planning in cooperation with the Project manager, tool selection, extraction, compilation, engineering and testing.
Don’t wait, send us your project today! Contact us for more information or ask us for a translation quote.
