The
ForeignExchange localization process
The ForeignExchange localization process falls into eight clearly
defined stages, assuming a client wants to localize a software
product into multiple languages.
1. Quoting process
ForeignExchange begins by evaluating the localization of your
product in terms of objectives, target audience, complexity and
culture-specific content. We review the following during our analysis
and estimating process:
- word count
- number and type of graphics
- dialog, topic or page counts
- complexity of builds and re-sizing
- requested deliverables
- localization readiness
- target language(s) or locale(s)
ForeignExchange
will provide you with a quotation, time frame and a dedicated
project manager who will consult with you and your team throughout
the process.
If the product is not yet complete, we will base our quote assumptions
on the latest version of the product, or on the latest scoping
information your engineering team can provide.
2. Localization
analysis and strategy
Before we begin translating the text, we perform a complete analysis
of the overall content. These analyses are performed by the ForeignExchange
project management team, which may include engineers, translators
and desktop publishers. The purpose of this analysis is to:
- review
the final files and localization instructions for any areas
that may cause problems during localization
- raise
any issues with the content, formatting or coding to the client
team for resolution (these may include items that are inappropriate
for the target locales such as currencies or phone numbers,
or may include items such as hard-coding of software strings
or double-byte-enablement concerns)
- if
the final files are different from those originally estimated,
the team will provide a re-estimate to the client
- create
a project strategy and plan based on the file types, scoping,
turnaround time and client goals
- prepare
the files for translation
ForeignExchange
localization engineers support a wide variety of
localization applications, compilers and tools under Windows,
UNIX, client/server setups and MacOS, as well as proprietary environments.
3.
Project management
ForeignExchange project managers work closely with their client
counterparts throughout projects to ensure high levels of communication.
This includes frequent phone and e-mail communication to discuss
issues and scope changes, and web-accessible status reports using
our FXTracker tool. These are accessible to our clients at all
times. The method for communicating issues can be customized depending
on client needs.
Our
project management team can also work with you to help plan the
most efficient process possible for rolls or updates to the localized
product.
4.
Glossary preparation
To facilitate text translation and save time and money, we will
consult with you to build a glossary of commonly used terms and
phrases. This glossary ensures consistency throughout the translation
process. Our teams can work with existing client glossaries, and
can also work closely with our client's in-country review team
to ensure agreement on terminology prior to the start of the translation
process. Upon project completion, this glossary is delivered to
the client.
5.
Text translation
To become a ForeignExchange translator, one must have three years
of industry experience, must pass a rigorous in-house exam and
"probation period," and must be well versed in the terminology
of the client's industry. (See Multilingual
Compliance Process for more information.)
Our project manager will select the appropriate translators and
editors and will manage them throughout the process. The project
manager and members of the project management team work together
to ensure that all necessary product and project information is
communicated to our translators.
ForeignExchange
supports industry-standard translation-memory applications
to "memorize" frequently used terms and phrases and reuse them
as necessary. For example, the footer that repeats from page to
page will only need to be translated once. This saves time and
money because less text must be manually translated. This also
allows us to easily reuse localized material from one project
to the next.
6.
Visual translation
ForeignExchange's staff makes sure that all icons and visuals
are as attractive and effective in the target market as they are
in the source market.
We
generally will work on the source file (e.g., Illustrator, PhotoShop,
Fireworks) and create an identical copy in the target language
needed. If a source file isn't available, we can manipulate GIF
and JPEG files directly.
7.
Formatting and builds
At this point, our engineers and desktop publishers compile the
software, online help and printed or online documentation. All
resizing and formatting of the components is done at this time.
8.
Proofs and online testing
Our
team performs a thorough check of the running software, online
help and online documentation. This is a linguistic test step,
in which we check to see that our software or help matches the
source text supplied by the client. Consistency of the various
components is also rechecked at this stage. Printed documentation
is also proofed at this stage.
9.
In-country reviews
ForeignExchange works closely with our client to ensure the smooth
completion of the in-country review step. We can work directly
with our client's in-country team, or can appoint a team of reviewers
if our clients do not have contacts of their own.
10.
Final deliverables
We typically post the localized files to a password-protected
area of our server, or to an area on our client's servers. Clients
can track the status of deliverables through our FXTracker
online status-reporting tool.
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