Web Globalization Into 32 Languages
While many American companies have already "localized" their web sites for foreign markets, the majority of companies have yet to begin.
ForeignExchange offers total flexibility in helping clients achieve their web globalization goals.
Some clients prefer to have their webmasters manage the process with ForeignExchange translating the text and graphics as needed. Other clients prefer a complete site build and maintenance program. Either way, ForeignExchange provides custom solutions with a superior level of translation quality.
It is important to remember that once a site is translated into several languages, maintaining those languages can require a major commitment of resources. ForeignExchange will help you plan your maintenance program so as to make the most of your budget and make the entire process as stress-free as possible.
Assuming a client wants to adapt an English site into multiple languages, the ForeignExchange localization process falls into eight clearly defined stages:
1. Site analysis and strategy
We begin by evaluating your site in terms of site objectives, target audience, complexity, and culture-specific content. To create a quote, we look closely at the following:
- word count
- graphics
- scripting, database connectivity
- target language(s)
ForeignExchange will provide you with a quotation, time frame, and a dedicated project manager who will consult with you and your team throughout the process.
If the site is not yet live, we will communicate with the designers and base our quote assumptions on the content and design goals.
2. Site duplication
Our project manager will work closely with your webmaster to duplicate the site onto our server. After creating a mirrored directory tree, we update all links, as necessary. We also copy all CGI scripts. From this point forward we can conduct all current and future translations without needing to access the client server.
3. Localization
Before we begin translating raw text, we look closely at the overall content. Are any subjects or visuals going to be offensive or confusing to the local audience? For instance, colors mean different things to different cultures.
And what about product descriptions and pricing? Do we need to modify currencies, phone numbers, units of measure, or distributor information? Our project team will make sure you are aware of all potential conflicts and that you approve every change. If we have doubts about any piece of text or graphic image, we will flag it for client review.
4. Glossary preparation
To facilitate text translation, and save time and money, we will consult with you to build a glossary of commonly used terms and phrases. This glossary ensures consistency throughout the translation process. Upon project completion, this glossary is delivered to the client.
5. Text translation
To become a ForeignExchange translator, one must have three years of industry experience, must pass a rigorous in-house exam and "probation period," and must be well-versed in the terminology of the client's industry.
Our project manager will select the appropriate translators and manage them throughout the process. In addition to raw text, we also translate:
- text in scripts
- text labels for images
- meta tags
- page titles
- table text
- rollover text
ForeignExchange supports industry-standard translation-memory applications to "memorize" frequently used terms and phrases and re-use them as necessary. For example, the footer that repeats from page to page will only need to be translated once. This saves time and money because less text must be manually translated.
6. Visual translation
We make sure that all icons and visuals are as attractive and effective in the target market as they are in the source market.
We generally will work on the source file (e.g., Illustrator, Photoshop, Fireworks) and create an identical copy in the target language needed. If a source file isn't available, we can manipulate GIF and JPEG files directly.
7. Testing and client review
At this point we thoroughly test all scripts, links, and rollovers. If available, we will work with your in-country reviewers to do the same. If you do not have an in-country team to review the translation, we can provide this service as well.
8. Final deliverables
We will post the translated site in a password-protected area of our server. You and your reviewers will be free to review the site and recommend any changes at this time.
Upon approval, we will work with your webmaster to transfer the site to the server of your choosing. At this point your source language site must be slightly revised to incorporate links to the target language site(s).
ForeignExchange helps clients maintain their multilingual sites with options ranging from "self service" to "full service."
Self-service maintenance
Some clients wish to closely control the ongoing maintenance of their site, while outsourcing only the elements that require translation and/or localization:
Text only option
With the "text only" option, clients take responsibility for formatting the HTML pages and localizing all graphic elements. ForeignExchange only manages the translation of all text, including META and ALT tags. This process entails the client emailing text in Word format and ForeignExchange delivering the translated text in Word format. Because the client assumes a great deal of the project management, this is the least expensive maintenance option.
Server-ready option
A more "hands off" solution for the client is to email the HTML pages and graphic files that need translation to ForeignExchange. ForeignExchange will quickly respond with a cost estimate and schedule. Upon approval, ForeignExchange will deliver server-ready HTML pages and graphics. Typically, the client will send the HTML pages to ForeignExchange in batches, as minimum charges apply.
Estimates are based upon the following criteria:
- word count
- number and complexity of graphics that must be converted
- any functionality issues that must be addressed
Benefits:
- inexpensive maintenance costs
- rapid turnaround time
- greater client control of multilingual site
Full-service maintenance
Under the "full service" plan, multilingual web maintenance is streamlined to require minimal client involvement. Initially, the client will specify what pages to monitor and how frequently. At these intervals, ForeignExchange "spiders" the specified pages of the client site.
We then manually identify which sections have changed and how extensive the changes are. This information is presented to the client in the form of a standardized maintenance report with cost estimate. Upon approval, ForeignExchange provides the updated HTML pages and graphics. At any time, the client may add pages or delete pages from this monitoring process.
ForeignExchange utilizes translation memory tools to prevent translating the same phrase twice, and passes these savings onto the client. ForeignExchange will deliver to the completed pages and images to the client via email or post them directly to the client's server.
Benefits:
- turnkey solution
- predictable process
- significant savings of client time and resources
Multilingual marketing
ForeignExchange can also manage the marketing in any language. This includes banner ads, cross-promotions—even direct marketing to support the site—all in the target language.
We are committed to using tools that are not only best suited for the project but best suited for the client. Because of the ever-changing nature of the industry, we are constantly adding to our portfolio.
Translation tools
- Trados Workbench translation-memory suite
- Star Transit suite
Web editing tools
- Dreamweaver
- HomeSite
- Cold Fusion
- HotDog Pro
- HoTMetaL Pro
- FrontPage
Desktop publishing and graphics
- PageMaker
- Photoshop
- Acrobat, Distiller
- Illustrator
- FrameMaker
- QuarkXPress
- Corel Draw and Ventura
- Macromedia Fireworks and Director
- FlowChart Express
- Fontographer
- GIFconverter
Office and database
- Microsoft Office
- ClarisWorks
- Lotus SmartSuite
- FoxPro
- Access
- SQL Server
- mySQL
Programming and development
- Visual Basic, C++, J++
- Visual InterDev
- Java
- Perl for CGI
- PHP for CGI
- XML
- SGML
Foreignexchange Translations, Inc., One Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906-5139. Tel: 888.454.0787; Fax: 401.454.0789.