Localization platforms are the ultimate tools to localize your software or app for different markets and expand your global footprint.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 3 software localization platforms that you will ever need – plus, we discuss everything you should know to make the right choice for your software localization project.
So, What is Localization in Software?
Software localization, often abbreviated as l10n, involves adapting software to meet the linguistic, cultural, and legal standards of a specific region.
This process typically includes tailoring various user-facing elements of an app or software product, like the UI, graphics, and documentation, to ensure they resonate with the target audience. Software localization isn’t limited to simply translating content but is also about creating a user experience that feels as native as possible to local audiences.
Why Should You Use a Localization Platform for Your Software?
Localization platforms are the most essential tool for streamlining software localization. Businesses using the right solution can 10x their time-to-market and reduce localization costs by up to 40%. Here are some of the top benefits of using a software localization platform for your business:
- Enhance Efficiency: Eliminate repetitive manual tasks like string extraction and content updates that could otherwise drain your time and resources.
- Reduce Time to Market: With automation at your fingertips, you can launch your product in several languages simultaneously. When software updates roll out, these tools ensure that everything remains seamlessly synchronized across all languages.
- Ensure Consistency Globally: When localizing your software for different markets, it’s important to keep your brand voice and messaging consistent. Localization tools provide features like translation memory and glossaries that help maintain a cohesive brand experience for global users while streamlining translation.
- Reduce Costs: Localization platforms can significantly reduce expenses by reducing the need for human input during localization. They also help avoid costly mistakes by ensuring high-quality localization throughout the process.
3 Types of Software Localization Processes
When localizing software, you can typically take one of the following three approaches.
#1 Waterfall localization
This is a linear approach where localization takes place only after you develop the software. While it makes the project scope predictable, the process can be rigid and slow. Waterfall was the most common localization model before Agile took over.
#2 Agile localization
Developed to address the shortcomings of the previous approach, agile localization is based on iteration and flexibility. Instead of waiting until the end of development, agile localizes your software in parallel to developing it. This means you get a functioning iteration of your product that is already translated by the end of every release cycle.
#3 Continuous localization
A subset of agile localization, this approach syncs localization with the continuous integration (CI) and continuous deployment (CD) pipelines. So now, any change in your software automatically triggers translation. As a result, your localized software versions are always ready in real time.
Key Features to Look for When Choosing a Software Localization Platform
Depending on your software localization approach—agile, waterfall, or continuous—there are several key features to consider when choosing the right platform for your project’s requirements.
#1 Translation Memory Support
Translation memory (TM) stores past translations, so you don’t have to redo the same phrases every time. This not only saves time but also keeps terms consistent across languages. It’s especially helpful for technical terms and brand terminologies where you would want to avoid any confusion.
#2 Continuous Localization
As we discussed earlier, continuous localization translates software updates as they’re added. This happens automatically in real-time, so your team can focus on building the core product and creative marketing materials. It also improves the user experience, as all your global audiences now receive the latest updates in their native language.
#3 Automation
It’s easy to think you can handle localization manually or with basic translation tools. However, this approach quickly becomes complicated, especially with frequent software updates in multiple languages.
Even if you manage to maintain quality, it often requires more time than you’d like. Fortunately, you can now leverage automation to optimize both the quality and time factor. Look for features like:
- Automatic content detection
- Machine translation
- Over-the-air updates
- AI capabilities
- Workflow automations
Plus, it ensures you stay ahead of the curve, as only 18% of businesses have a fully automated localization process as we speak.
#4 Ease of Integration
Your tools need to work well with your existing systems (e.g. your CMS, version control, etc.) for a smooth localization process. This compatibility will save you a lot of time and errors going to and fro between platforms. It will also boost your team’s productivity as they can continue using their preferred environments while collaborating with one another.
Furthermore, your tool must have API and webhook support to be able to support continuous localization. These functionalities help you integrate the tool directly within your software to automate the translation. So, when you’re picking a localization tool, check the available integrations and how they work for you.
#5 Quality Assurance
To deploy high-quality dynamic translations, you must have a real-time quality monitoring system in place. To do this, many software localization tools now include built-in checks for spelling, grammar, and context. This way, you catch mistakes before they impact user experience or brand credibility.
Transifex takes this a step further by automating the QA process entirely. It recently introduced the Transifex Quality Index (TQI), an AI-powered tool that assesses translation quality in real-time. So now, you don’t just translate automatically but instantly make them production-ready, all without human intervention.
#6 Customization
Every organization has unique localization needs. That’s where customization comes in for tailoring workflows and settings to fit your specific projects.
You want a platform that can handle different file formats like JSON, XML, XLIFF, or PO files. Each of these files serves different purposes and accommodates the diverse needs of your teams (e.g. developers, translators, etc.) It’s also helpful if your tool lets you convert one file format into another.
Adjustable workflows are a big plus too. You can set up custom translation paths, review processes, and approval stages that match exactly how your team works. This level of customization and flexibility is what makes a tool truly yours.
#7 Scalability
Whether you’re moving from five to fifty languages or introducing new software features, a scalable tool will help you meet that rising demand. You want a localization tool that can handle increased translation volume without sacrificing quality or speed.
Another aspect to look for is version control. This way, you can keep track of changes across languages and avoid any potential errors. Plus, scalable solutions are better equipped with collaboration features, like role assignments and progress tracking, for teams to work together seamlessly.
Look for a platform that combines these features with automation and AI to help you get ready for the next market.
Most Common Types of Software Translation Tools
Besides the technical aspects of software localization, another key element of the process is, of course, translation, which is typically performed using one or more of the following tools.
Translation Management System (TMS)
A TMS is primarily designed to manage the entire translation process, including project management, translation memory, terminology management, and workflow automation. It serves as a centralized hub for all localization activities, allowing teams to collaborate efficiently on translation projects across multiple languages.
Machine Translation (MT)
MTs are translation tools that automatically analyze source text and generate a target language version. They’re useful for simple content but often struggle with cultural nuances and require human post-editing for quality. Examples include Google Translate and Microsoft Translator.
Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools
Unlike MT, CAT tools do not automate the actual translation process. Instead, these tools focus on assisting translators and linguists with translation. They do so by storing previously translated texts, managing terminologies, and assisting with quality assurance.
You can use CAT tools independently or within a TMS. Sometimes, they may also integrate MT to optimize the process further.
Top 3 Software Localization Platforms to Enter New Markets
Now that we’ve covered the essential features and tools to look for in a software localization platform, let’s explore our top three picks.
#1 Transifex
Transifex functions as both a Translation Management System (TMS) and a software localization platform with integrated MT and CAT tool capabilities. It was originally developed as an open-source project aimed at addressing the localization process for software applications with the needs of developers in mind from the start.
This developer-first approach has led to a user experience that aligns well with modern software development practices, integrating seamlessly into existing environments like GitHub and various programming languages through APIs and command-line tools.
Today, Transifex has evolved to an all-in-one AI-powered localization platform that can handle every type of localization project, including software, apps, websites, games, and marketing material. Designed to support continuous localization, Transifex integrates with CI/CD workflows to automate localization as part of the software release and update cycle.
With support for over 450 languages and 40+ file formats – Transifex ensures your localization needs are always covered – no matter the software type or target market.
Here are some of the top features that make Transifex stand out.
Key Features
- Centralized Platform: Transifex offers a centralized localization hub where you can import, organize, and manage all your code and content. From major code repositories like GitHub and Bitbucket to various codes, including Python, JavaScript, and more – the platform provides powerful integrations to keep your localization projects in one place.
- Translation Memory and Glossaries: The TM allows you to reuse previously translated content automatically. Plus, the platform learns from your glossaries to mimic brand voice consistently across all languages.
- Transifex Native: A unique SDK that allows developers to integrate localization directly within their codebase. This enables live updates as you make any changes to the software. You also receive over-the-air (OTA) translations, which means any software update is instantly reflected across all languages without needing a separate release.
- AI-based Translations: Transifex’s proprietary AI technology provides fully automated context-based translations at scale with just a single click. It also ensures the translations fit any UI design without breaking it. All you need to do is integrate Transifex with your code or import the data to the platform and let the AI handle the rest.
To see what Transifex AI can do for your software, simply insert the link here and get a live report instantly.
- Automated QA: The Transifex Quality Index (TQI) is a built-in, AI-powered QA tool that assesses translation quality in real time. It automatically flags any inconsistencies or errors before they reach production. So, you can maintain high translation standards without unnecessary manual reviews.
- Collaboration Features: Transifex’s cloud-based solution allows for real-time collaboration across teams and geographic locations. Each team member can view their tasks, track changes as they happen, provide feedback and resolve issues immediately from one single platform.
Global companies, including Vodafone, Wishtrip, Quora, and HubSpot, use Transifex as their primary localization solution.
Want to try Transifex for FREE? Sign up today
#2 Weglot
Weglot is a leading cloud-based solution that provides instant translations using machine translation (MT) engines such as DeepL and Google Translate. Designed for simplicity with no-code installation, it is ideal for businesses that need efficient website localization with minimal setup.
Here are some of the top features that set this software localization tool apart.
Key Features
- Machine Translation (MT): Weglot integrates with popular machine translation providers to automatically translate content.
- Translation Features: It provides features like Translation Memory (TM), Glossaries, and automatic Content Detection to save time on repetitive processes and ensure consistency. Note that the TM feature is only available in their highest available package (priced at €699/month) which may not be suitable for all businesses.
- Visual Editor: This helps you see preview translations within the UI. So, you know how your interface will look in different languages and make necessary changes.
- Centralized Dashboard: Manage your entire localization process and collaborate through one interface.
#3 MotionPoint
MotionPoint is another leading solution for enterprise-level software localization. The tool can integrate with any technology stack to automate your translation workflow. So, your development team can save time and deploy products in shorter sprints.
Let’s look at some of the features it offers.
Key Features
- Translation Features: MotionPoint comes with translation memory, a style guide, and glossary terms for high-quality, industry-centric translations.
- MP Core: This is an advanced proxy translation technology that automatically detects and translates content. It centralizes the localization process, primarily for your website, by integrating with it through connectors, APIs, etc.
- Adaptive Translation: It works by combining algorithmic translation, translation memory, and artificial intelligence to learn from your glossaries and provide brand-specific translations. You can also add a layer of human review for your translations.
- Beyond Word Services: The tool comes with dedicated customer support to solve real-time issues and enhance your localization process.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right software localization platform for your project can streamline your entire process, cut costs, and help maintain a consistent brand presence as you scale quickly.
Transifex stands out as an all-in-one localization solution, no matter how complex your software is. With just a few clicks, you get real-time localization that works in parallel to your software development and is deployed in real-time, all while keeping human intervention. All you need to do is sign up to create a project, invite your team, and get started.
Ready to scale your software with AI-powered localization? Request for a free demo of Transifex.
FAQs
How does software internationalization differ from software localization?
Software internationalization is different from localization in that it focuses on the design and development of software to facilitate future adaptations for various languages and locales, whereas localization is the actual process of adapting the software for a specific locale.
What is an example of software localization?
An example of software localization is a weather app that displays temperatures in Celsius or Fahrenheit based on the user’s location.
What is a software localization tool?
A software localization tool is specifically tailored for adapting software applications to different languages and cultural contexts. This includes managing text strings in code, ensuring user interface compatibility, and integrating with development tools.
What’s the difference between technical localization and content localization?
Technical localization adapts software’s functional elements, like date formats or currency. Content localization focuses on adapting text, images, and overall messaging to resonate culturally with users.
