Guide to I18N Software Localization Tools and Features

The term internationalization generally refers to the starting foundation set up to ensure the completion of a product's i18n software localization process. Internationalization, or i18n, is the overall structure of the new market strategy that guides content localization. Because it is such a broad term, many view it from their own perspective, regardless of their role. With this diverse spectrum, it's important to understand the tools and features necessary to help the internationalization process run smoothly and more efficiently.

MVP Features for Successful Internalization

There are four considerably basic, yet extremely important, must-have features to streamline the implementation of your internationalization strategy:  

Segmentation

In software localization, segmentation is the process of breaking text down into smaller portions for easier translation. It starts with configuring specific segmentation rules that decide how the breaking up of continuous text is done. For example, it can use patterns in the code strings as rules for when to incorporate breaks in the text.  

File Filtering and Parsing

Parsing is the process of separating strings and analyzing them to create simpler components for translation. File filtering aids this process by removing code that isn’t necessary for the translation, streamlining the process. Along with reducing the scope, file filtering makes sure the content is properly organized to help with translation memory. This process is an efficient way to reduce the overall need to correct translation errors in the future.  

Translation Memory

This is your program’s database that stores previously translated words or sentences to be used in future translations. It speeds up the localization process while maintaining grammatical consistency across the program, ensuring translation quality. It’s one of the most valuable features of any localization management software.  

Translation Editor

A translation editor is valuable to the quality assurance process in translation management. They proofread the translated materials and verify the accuracy and quality of the content to reduce the number of errors.  People tend to search for a few other features when trying to find a localization management platform to help start their internationalization process. You can think of the following as additional must-have features:

• In context preview: This allows translation to be previewed in real-time.  
• Terminology management: The ability to identify and store-specific content terminology to aid translation memory.  
• Auto-propagation of repetition: This enables automatic insertion of specific translated content in repeated segments.
• Translation connectors: It allows content sharing between multiple systems to aid translation and reduce the need for manually moving product files and content.  

What Are the Key Factors to Consider for I18n Software Localization?

While advanced features are always a necessary component for an efficient translation service, the following factors are what your search should be based on to ensure the most effective localization process for your content:

Superior Process Management

Successfully implementing an internationalization strategy is made possible by having a localization software platform that designs processes to improve efficiency. With localization, everything scales as the market grows. Operations that may have started as an uncomplicated process, like manual cost management and reporting, can become extremely tedious when they aren’t automated and streamlined. Good process management allows flexibility for any specific use case; it can help implement proactive engineering to fix content or software problems before becoming a problem.  

Dependable Software Engineering and Architecture

The most important rule of thumb for software localization is to protect the code. While earlier listed features like file filtering and parsing are indispensable, it’s crucial that the translation service parses the code in a way that eliminates unnecessary code exposure. Ensuring the code is protected while simultaneously making sure the linguist can understand the software is one of the most important ways engineering processes can decrease translation time and errors. It’s also imperative that a localization management platform adjust its engineering processes to match the content software structure–these tasks increase the effectiveness of the translation service.

Alignment and Accountability

Because the term internalization can mean various things to separate groups of people, it’s essential to align on the strategy and goals for its implementation. This includes aligning linguists, engineers, stakeholders, and more–if everyone’s interests are fragmented, internationalization can be close to impossible. It’s also critical to have a localization management platform with a team that takes accountability for their work and reduces any software or content problems. Software internationalization and localization are time-consuming and complicated processes that can become even more complex as the content scales with market growth. Partnering with a translation service focused on implementing effective strategies and solving problems is the most cost-effective and efficient way to expand your content.