Internationalization (I18N) Specialists

Definition: Abbreviated I18N, Internationalization is defined as the process of developing an application core whose feature design and functional code (source) do not make assumptions based on a single language or locale and whose source base simplifies the creation of different language editions of a program. (source: Developing International Software (Microsoft Press), by Nadine Kano)

The main goal of the internationalization (I18N) process is to separate all texts that will appear to the user, as well as the locale-specific features (i.e. date and time formats, currency, decimal separators, etc.), from the main product features. This process should take place during the development cycle for any given application (traditional or web-driven), because at this stage in the development lifecycle, changes to features and design can be implemented in a more cost-effective manner. Internationalization should be performed upfront in order to minimize development costs.

Most internationalization issues directly affect the localization process, which inevitably follows any internationalization effort. Below you will find a list of some of the more common internationalization (I18N) issues that should be addressed:

  • hard-coded text strings
  • enablement of the different character sets (i.e. double-byte and bi-directional)
  • input methods and keyboard layouts
  • concatenation
  • manually generated TOCs and Indexes
  • text within graphics

Internationalization Service Providers each have their own methodology for providing internationalization (I18N) services. The basic phases should include:

  1. Discovery: includes introductory education to I18N & L10N development issues, Q & A sessions with all software internationalization stakeholders, internationalization kit preparation, and a review of current software internationalization readiness
  2. Assessment: includes review and analysis of application, review and analysis of global marketing plans and requirements, design development and build processes, review and analysis of current I18N and L10N strategies, review and analysis of source code
  3. Implementation: includes externalization of hard-coded strings for ease of localization, currency/time/dates/numbers issue resolution, double-byte enabling, I18N-friendly build methodology, I18N test plan preparations, localization kit preparation, knowledge transfer I18N education, recommended I18N tools and any required tool training
  4. Testing: includes client driven I18N and DBCS enablement testing, bug reporting-fixing and regression testing

For more information on how GPI can help you internationalize your product, feel free to browse through  our site or get in touch with one of our representatives by sending an email to info@globalizationpartners.com