Globalizing Websites

Globalizing websites poses special challenges for content creators. While traditional globalization projects tended to assume that a complete, final package would be available when the localization phase started (i.e., all content pieces would be delivered at once and localized as a group), web projects feature frequently changing and time-sensitive materials. In addition they often feature complex layouts and extensive use of graphics that contain text and other localizable content.

Websites therefore require careful internationalization and graphics must be stored in source-file format and made available to localizers. Text expansion must be planned for in graphical portions of the site and in any fixed-width portions of the site.

Beyond design issues, however, effective web site globalization for all but the simplest sites requires the use of technology to track and respond to changes in source content, as well as to manage the decisions as to what should and should not be translated.

For more information on globalizing websites, read Managing Global Content, a LISA Best Practice Guide.