Our reliance on digital products such as apps, software, and websites is increasing day by day. This reliance brings the need for advancements and the use of new technology in keeping with the trends. One of these trends is the inculcation of translation in the software industry. With the help of software translation services, these software are translated for global audiences. In other words, this translation complements the software and raises its demand in the market. You are a business and want to make sure that your apps and websites are easily understood by the masses. It is software translation that will help you fulfill this dream and help you generate more revenue as well.
In this read, we are going to talk about the importance of localization for software and how it is better than translation. Other than that, our focus will also be on how localization is not just important but is an evident part of software.
Demand for Software in the 21st Century
It is expected that by the end of 2024, the global software industry will be able to generate revenue of more than $294.30 billion. This figure alone proves the high demand for software in the global marketplace. And in the 21st century, there is an influx of software mainly because of the internet penetration and the excessive use of digital devices. The mobile phones, laptops, and computers that we use run on software that is highly advanced.
These technical developments are supported by software, which powers the internet and our smartphones. Other than that, it also supports a myriad of other systems and gadgets that have become essential to our everyday lives. We can’t even spend a day without using a phone. Not just because this software contributes to our entertainment but also powers our jobs. Even right now as you are reading this excerpt, there is a software design that has made the website interface understandable for you.
So yes our lives do revolve around software and other digital assets. The rise of the digital economy adds more to the rising demand for software and that’s how software companies help businesses establish strong grounds in international markets. So software is not just in demand for our personal and professional work but also in the business sector.
Software Localization – Inducing the Cultural Factors
There is no doubt in the statement that localization is the soul of software. This is because it adds life to the existing and already functioning software. Software localization services are the ones that are responsible for this huge task of making software adaptable for the audience. Localization of software means that the software is adapted to the cultural and linguistic demands of the target audience. Translation just works on the content and linguistic elements while it is localization that delves into complex features and ensures that the end product is software that completely resonates with the needs of the audience.
Localization targets a specific community, it doesn’t capture the interest of a global audience. These cultural factors include date and time format, currency symbols, color schemes, and even different online payment methods. For instance, if you are localizing software for US audiences, the date format needs to be in such a way that the date comes first, then the month, and then the year. While for UK audiences, the month comes first, and the date and year come last.
- US Audiences: MM/DD/YYYY
- UK Audiences: DD/MM/YYYY
In this century localization is crucial more than ever. Mainly because of the globalization of business, they want to capitalize on the global marketplace. To make a strong impression in the individual market, these businesses vouch for software localization to adapt their digital products according to the cultural, language, and local demands of the target audiences.
Connecting Cultural Nuances With Local Customs and Demands
Knowledge of regional traditions and customs is important for software localization. For instance, indirect communication and preserving harmony is considered crucial in certain cultures while directness is highly regarded in others. These communication styles should be reflected in software interfaces to prevent miscommunications and foster user trust. So software localization not only revolves around the cultures of the target audience but also coincides with their local customs.
For instance, localizing a ride-hailing app for a market where haggling is highly important for the audiences will include local prices and other demands. So with the help of software localization, the app will be adapted for the target audiences and that’s how localization becomes the soul of your software.
Final Words!
To sum up, software localization allows businesses to cater to individual markets and then make a global positive presence. It is the soul of localization and it inserts life in it and makes it usable for the target audiences.
