Software Translations

We know IT vocabulary, concepts and style requirements. We are also experts in the use of various translation tools needed for localisation (localization). Therefore, you can be sure that

• you will get the translation when agreed
• the translation meets very high-quality standards
• the translation files are technically in order.

Our experience in IT translation is reflected in the fact that we work fast. This makes our prices competitive and raises the quality, because the fewer the translators needed, the better the result. In an ideal situation, only one translator should be used. However, this is rarely possible in software localisation.

The amount of time available for software translations is usually limited. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, such things as the following should be agreed in advance:

• Glossary – which glossary (glossaries) to use (e.g. Microsoft glossary and/or product or field specific glossaries)
• Style – is there a style guide available or should one be created
• Translation memory – is there a translation memory in existence or should one be created from previously translated material.

After the translation is complete, a testing phase follows to verify that the translated text is correctly displayed in the application, that the translations fit different contexts and that language-bound elements work as desired.

Localisation means the adaptation of text to the practices, culture and legislation of the target language area, and in most cases refers to the translation of software and online services.

In the context of localisation, you will also find the term ‘internationalisation’ which means the building of software in a manner enabling easy localisation. The main thing in internationalisation is to separate translatable text from the program code. The text is placed in separate resource files which can then be translated with localisation tools. The use of resource files increases textual consistency and significantly decreases translation costs since the same ‘string’ can be referred to from different parts of the program.

Good to Know