Continuous Localization : Explained in 5 Minutes

If the key objective of your business is to grow globally, localization is not just an option but a compulsion. Providing content in languages that resonate with your target audience is crucial. However, it is also necessary to do it at the right time, especially for SaaS products and services that are updated frequently.

To keep up with the agile software cycles, continuous localization is the right solution.

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What is Continuous Localization?

Continuous localization is integrating localization and development to deliver software to customers. This concept is based on Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery. It eliminates the manual and tedious processes to deliver the product faster to the end-users.

Benefits of Continuous Localization

Faster product development and launch in multiple languages

With continuous localization, the product can be launched in multiple languages simultaneously since localized content is always available.

Reduce the workload for product managers and developers

Integrating localization into the development software reduces the burden on the project managers and developers and decreases the possibility of any human error.

Significantly save costs while building quality products

With the use of the right technology and efficient cross-functional collaboration, continuous localization can help in delivering better quality products and significantly save any additional costs 

Gain a Competitive advantage

Delivering faster and updated content in multiple languages improves the user experience, helps in effective communication, and gains an advantage over competitors.

Challenges in Continuous Localization

Although continuous localization has multiple benefits, it comes with its own challenges

Maintaining the consistency and accuracy of translations

Understanding the product and getting the translation correct in a short period can be difficult for translators. If you are working with different translators each time, they require time to learn about the product

Proper pricing of translations

Organizing and pricing translations can be challenging if many translators are working continuously on just a few words a week.

Requires efficient collaborations between the teams involved

The process likely involves UI / UX designers, engineers, product managers, and many other experts related to different fields. So, collaborating effectively can be difficult.

Requires the right workflow

Every product workflow is different so it is important to get the workflow right according to the requirements to ensure easy implementation of the processes.

Implementing Continous Localization

 

Choosing the right team

Choosing the right people for the localization team can make the process smooth and effortless. The team usually comprises a localization engineer, localization QA, and localization manager. Setting up an efficient localization workflow by the engineer is beneficial.

Choose the right localization tools and technology

Picking the right localization software is the key to achieving seamless continuous localization. Having an effective translation management system including API integration to connect easily across different platforms is crucial.

Including Translators in the development process

When translators work together with the developers, they can understand the product better.

Feedback from the translators can help developers more aware of the issues in the localization process.

Continuous Localization can be challenging. However, the right partner can make the process seamless and efficient.