Developing globalized applications

Globalized applications are applications that have national language support. National language support allows users to enter, store, process, retrieve, print, and display data in their chosen language. It also allows users to see and enter commands, prompts, messages, and documentation in their chosen language, in formats matching their cultural expectations.

Here are some guidelines for designing, developing, and delivering globalized applications:

• Designing functions that are sensitive to national languages
• Supporting various types of hardware
• Translating the textual data in your application
• Making your application available worldwide

Although your reasons might differ, most internationalized applications are created because:

• The market demands globalized software products that have a local feel
• The application is used in a community that represents multiple cultures
• Revenue opportunities are expanded