Trying to use a software or an application can be frustrating if you don’t understand the user’s interface. Hence, the need for software and applications that users can easily use. This challenge is solved through the localization of software and applications.
Software and Application localization involves the process of translating software or application to a particular locale. There are parameters in the user’s interface that are peculiar to the user. Such parameters include language, legal requirements, documentation, images, etc. The localization of software and applications by CPSL can help your software and applications in various ways.
Before the localization process is done, the internationalization process takes place. Internationalization deals with designing and developing your software and applications to support straightforward localization. Internationalization provides flexibility for the localization of software and applications.
It’s an intricate process, as this article from Tomedes on localization, internationalization and globalization explains. All local references and nuances need to be stripped away during the internationalization process, leaving the software or application in a state that is as broadly usable as possible by consumers in any location. This means it is primed for localization, with the internationalized version being used as the basis of each localized version. It’s globalization in action!
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What Are The Benefits of Localization Of Software And Applications?
For a software developer, localization is like an extension of product development. Why do they have to localize software and applications? Is it essential? Let’s consider some of the benefits that come with localization.
1. Larger User Base
A software developer develops software with a target audience in mind. There is a local market of users for the product. The localization of software and applications considers the culture language and style of the target customers.
You might think that localizing your product software or application will create a limitation. For instance, developing software or app for only English users means you won’t be able to sell to French customers. But, this doesn’t have to be the case.
Different users globally are considered, and localization made to meet their needs. This way, localization increases the number of possible users of the product, thereby improving your customer base.
2. Increased Income
The increase in potential user base brings higher chances of downloads. Users of the product can always access it online from different parts of the world. A product adapted in Chinese opens you up to about 1 billion potential users. More users convert to more money for the software and application developer.
3. Maximize Cultural Differences
The localization of software and applications helps the developer take advantage of cultural uniqueness. These differences include language, appropriate color, time zone, and dates, etc. With localization, the product designer becomes sensitive to cultural differences. These adaptations help the user to feel comfortable using the product.
4. Get The Competitive Edge
There are lots of software and applications which perform similar functions. Developers continuously look for ways to stand out and gain a competitive edge. The adaptation of software and application to suit your different target audience is one way to stand out. You can create a unique product through localization.
5. Boost Your Global Presence
Everyone in business wants their brand and products to be known globally. Adapting the product to suit different audiences helps boost the presence of the brand globally. This knowledge could convert to increased global patronage.
With the localization of software and application, developers can grow their businesses irrespective of human diversities.
