First of all, it all starts with the source. The localization process goes smoother when the code is written with internationalization in mind, e.g., with the capability to customize the software without having to change it. Therefore, at this stage, software developers check on the most flawless way to create a localization kit for localization engineers. However, this task may be a challenging one if you haven't had the experience or have built your software without thinking about translating it in the future. That's where our engineers may be beneficial, consulting on any possible solution to the problem.

Depending on company processes, the localization kit may be presented in different formats. Often, software developers think ahead and automate localization kit creation. But this isn't a daily routine; therefore, such kits are prepared in the least resource-consuming manner for a client. The number of formats varies, but translators should get the kit compatible with the software they use for translation. That's where localization engineers step in and make it all work for everybody. The kit is transformed into the format that fits the translators' CAT-tools, allowing them to use termbases and translation memories, thus cutting costs and providing consistency. One more huge benefit of Palex localization engineers is that we have enough expertise to work directly in your repository or a separate repository branch created for purposes of translation, allowing smooth and frictionless integration into your established development process.

Software localization demands approaches and tools other than those used in documentation or games localization. It is a unique process requiring a particular workflow and CAT tools with features characteristic for software translation such as UI preview necessary for a translator as a context reference. That's why an experienced project manager assigning a suitable translation team is of great value. Palex offers a dedicated team of project managers specializing in software localization and understanding all the possible issues and the intricacies of the industry. When talking about software localization, we are not simply reffering to the translation of words in the interface. It's the large-scale task of preparing a product for the market with certain cultural aspects. Therefore, we modify formats for numbers, currency, date, and time, even the design features such as colors and pictures. We make the product feel as if it was originally made for the target culture.

In the case of software translation, the quality assessment stages are implemented in several phases, checking more points than in other types of translation. First, we check for linguistic errors and consistency of translation. Often the software is supported by the documentation explaining how it works, so consistency is king here. Terms used in the documentation must match the terms used in the software interface to provide a clear understanding. Then typographical errors are checked automatically by our own QA solution Verifika which saves time and cuts costs. Third, by functional testing, we make sure everything is in the right places. We also verify the cultural appropriateness of UI, such as colors, pictures, and overall design. We offer in-country review options as a separate service or include it in the project workflow.

Modern business and marketing processes require software developers to use an agile workflow and add new features or content weekly. Therefore, the localization industry is also becoming more flexible, keeping up with business goals, and introducing new approaches and workflows such as continuous localization. We have a lot of experience of flawless localization integration into any project development phase. These projects include mobile and desktop apps, games, web services, chatbots, and other products where timely updates are a part of the business strategy.