French software globalization (G11n) is a two-step process which includes French software internationalization (I18n) and French software localization (L10n). Software internationalization deals primarily with the functionality of a software application, enabling back-end technologies to function or support the French language and the locales in which it is used. Localization deals primarily with the front-end or linguistic and cosmetic aspects of a software application including locale-specific content, cultural correctness, translations, and software design.

The software internationalization process is the first step in ensuring your software application’s global interoperability. During software internationalization, any language- or culture-specific assumptions in your software application’s code base are “neutralized”; your application will then be primed for efficient localization into French.

Your localization company should have solid experience in handling French software internationalization issues, including:

• Reviewing and analyzing the source code for a software application.
• Resolving issues related to French address, time, date, currency and numerical formats.
• Externalizing text strings for ease of French translation, including hard-coded text strings and text within graphics.
• Software testing, including bug reporting and fixing.

You will need to provide your localization company with the following information, collectively referred to as a “Software Internationalization Kit.” This information allows your localization company to analyze your software and to determine its French internationalization requirements. This kit includes:

• All files in your development environment, specifically resource files (for example, RC, RC2, DLG, H, HH, CPP, EXE, DLL, and graphic file formats).
• All documentation source files (for example, FrameMaker or Word).
• All online help source files (for example, graphics, RTF, VBS, HTML, CNT/HHX/HHC).
• Reference material (glossaries, past translations, style guides, etc.).
• File names and types, including an explanation of each file’s purpose.
• The name and version of development, documentation, and online help authoring tools.
• The location (directories/files) of any hard-coded literals which are in the user interface.
• Original files of any third-party applications/components used.
• Detailed build instructions (if applicable).
• Test plan and test scripts (if applicable).

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