What is software localization?

Enabling overseas software to be used in Japan invariably requires translation of the software itself, together with help files and manuals. Online help pages and manuals are usually just a matter of direct translation, but adapting the software itself frequently entails adjustments not only to operational resources (on-screen menus, commands, messages) but also to the actual program code and software specifications. It follows that the sum of these tasks goes beyond what is usually required by customer when they request simple 'translation.' These tasks are referred to collectively as "localization," and a translation company with the engineering expertise to perform them is known as a 'software localizer.'