Software Localization

BLS provides end-to-end solutions for software localization including application GUI translation, linguistic testing and cosmetic testing. We have a strong technical background due to our extensive software development experience across a variety of platforms such as Windows, iOS, and Android. Powered by our professional in-country technical translators and field experts, BLS is able to provide consistent quality localization for virtually all software applications including ERP, CRM, CAD, websites, anti-virus programs, games, mobile apps and many others.

BLS localization testing focuses primarily on a product's cosmetic and linguistic qualities. For example, once localized, the software needs to be verified on different platforms to see if translated options properly fit within the target dialog boxes and if all hotkeys use unique letters. BLS conducts localization testing separately for each target language using a subset of the testing scripts developed for the English version. If such testing scripts are not available, we will work with our clients to develop a testing strategy to ensure every menu, dialog box, and message from the translated resource files has been verified.

GUI Localization

GUI Localization refers to the translation of the software graphical user interface (GUI) components, such as dialog boxes, menus, and error and status messages displayed on users’ screens. The best localization process usually starts with the software GUI translation. Online help and user documentation translation should only begin after all software GUI strings have been fully translated and reviewed. This is because online help and user manuals reference the software user interface elements very often. This process will ensure all GUI strings are translated consistently for all product components.

In a typical software localization project, the following GUI components normally need to be translated:

-Dialog boxes

-Menus

-Strings

Linguistic Testing

Linguistic testing is the process of systematically verifying the translated strings on each software screen to ensure correct translations. BLS uses only professional in-country translators with subject matter expertise for linguistic testing and verification. Our linguistic testing ensures:

-All UI strings have been tested (both hard-coded and external resource strings)

-Translation consistency between menu items and dialogue box titles

-Accented characters display and print properly

-Correct punctuation

-Localized text wraps, hyphenation, and sorting

-Hotkey assignment is consistent with the target operating system

-Proper abbreviations have been used when required by interface design

Internalization

Internationalization or i18N is the process to Unicode or double-byte enable a software program so that it can be easily localized and runs like it’s native on a target language platform. Our full range of analysis, enabling and testing services eliminate the need for maintaining different code-bases for multiple languages and streamline the process of future product upgrades. BLS's i18N service includes i18N analysis and assessment, double-byte or Unicode enabling and I18N testing.