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Developing a Localization Kit
See also: Building
a Localization Kit What is a localization kit? A localization kit is comprised of the files to be localized and accompanying documentation that enables McElroy to initially prepare a complete proposal, quote, and schedule for your project and ultimately enables us to perform the actual localization once the project has been awarded. The accompanying documentation augments the file set to be localized and provides us with details regarding your requirements and expectations. What should be included?
Localization kit instructions With your localization kit you should provide explicit instructions on how the kit is organized, explaining the function of each file in the kit and how localized files are to be returned to you (i.e., directory structure, format, etc.). Other instructions should include:
How to make localization kits more useful Thought should be given to the design of the localization kit to facilitate the localization process through a specific structure and format. This will streamline the transfer and delivery of files and information between you and McElroy, while maintaining a consistent format and providing version control. One simple way to accomplish this is to automate the localization kit generation process by developing a “build kit” utility that automatically generates a bill of materials including the names and version numbers of all the files needed for your project. You will also want to create a directory structure that organizes files in the localization kit in a way that helps the localizer to: build the product (if software), easily share files, maintain version control, perform QA checks (for example, on links), and efficiently replicate directory structure for localized versions. If the project is an update of a previous localization effort, including the prior version’s source language files in addition to the target language files will help maintain long-term consistency. To many clients with a track record of successful localization and staff dedicated to this part of the business, this article is a basic review. To clients on the other end of the spectrum who may be new to localization, assembling a localization kit may seem like a burdensome amount of pre-project work. We cannot emphasize enough how the right kit pays off in process efficiency and quality output. In fact, most clients fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, and our experienced account managers and project managers can assist with kit guidelines and project planning.
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