Make your own localization tool

Globalisation is one of the most important trends of this century, offering companies new opportunities to develop markets and increase profits. Communication in regional languages is essential for international success, and translation and localization are the key to the global market.

Software localization involves translators, programmers and product managers. The required teamwork must be coordinated within a tight timeframe. Compared to documentation software is more difficult to translate, as texts in software are often not self-explanatory. Because of missing standards workflows for software localization are very different.

This is why software localization raises a special challenge. Without the right tools software localization is expensive and error-prone. PASSOLO addresses all critical issues involved in localizing software.

PASSOLO optimizes the complete software localization process. It ensures easy compilation, exchange and processing of translation data. Unnecessary extra work can be avoided, and localization can begin even before the final release of the software is available.

PASSOLO is easy to use. Users require neither time-consuming and expensive training nor programming experience. Many potential errors which occur during localization are avoided or automatically recognized by PASSOLO.

Software generally contains a lot of repetitive text. PASSOLO allows you to re-use existing translations. Even text from programs which haven't been translated with PASSOLO can be used for the semi-automatic translation of new projects. Re-using the same and also similar text passages can shorten the translation cycle and reduce costs.

Software localization is part of a process which involves a number of experts, who generally all use different tools. In the Professional Edition, PASSOLO's so-called Add-In concept allows for data exchange between PASSOLO and other tools. Add-Ins for translation memories are available as options. Further adaptations can also be programmed by the user him-/herself or by the PASSOLO development team.

Seeing the Whole Picture

Software localization is an important part of the localization process of a product, but it is just a part of it. Beside a software localization tool, a large number of other tools might be needed like translation memories, terminology databases, DTP- or CAD-programs. If every tool dictates the workflow associated with the type of documents it can handle, the overall workflow will get very complicated. This is why PASSOLO does not enforce a specific workflow, allowing you to use the workflow that best fits your needs. PASSOLO 3.0 supports OLE-Automation, so that most of its functions can be controlled from external applications like workflow management system.

Normally software is the first type of "document" that will be translated in a localization project and the translated texts should be reused for the translation of online-help and documentation. The open design of PASSOLO makes it possible to develop and supply export/import filters. Based on this technology we can provide our customers with interfaces to the STAR Translation Memory and the TRADOS Translation solutions.

PASSOLO is the only localization tool that is completely customizable. Using macros functions of PASSOLO can be changed, new functions can be added, and PASSOLO can be integrated with other tools. Macros are the key to an optimized individual localization environment based on a proven standard technology.

Streamlining the Software Localization Process

In traditional workflows the software development team is heavily involved in the localization process. Texts need to be extracted from the source files. The translations need to be merged into the sources again. The translated applications need to be build. Consistency needs to be checked for the different languages. Using the source code itself to make the translation is not a better solution, because other data than just the translatable texts might have been modified. This is why PASSOLO works on the binary files directly, extracting only the strings that can be translated, protecting the application from unintended modifications.

If the workflow is set up properly and the software is fully internationalized, the development team must not be involved in the software localization process any more. Thus programming resources are freed for the real important development activities.

When using PASSOLO it is even possible to start with the software localization before the software is finished. With minimal additional effort it is possible to launch a product in different countries at the same time or shortly after the release of the native version. This is possible because PASSOLO stores the texts and layout information of a project in a database. If a newer version of the software becomes available most of the translated strings and layout information remain and only new or changed texts need to be translated.

User Friendliness

Tools can help to optimize a process but you have to pay for it. Quite often the cost for training exceeds the cost for the licenses. One of the design goals for PASSOLO is to keep it simple and intuitive to use, even when we extend the features. The new powerful scripting in PASSOLO 3.0 will make it possible to extend and customize the features of PASSOLO for the needs of one user without bothering all the other users who don't need these features.