XML and Globalization
May 8, 2007
SDL Warns Businesses to Think Global When Migrating to XML
SDL, one of the big players in globalization solutions, announced today the findings of a research project into the use of XML in delivering global content across multiple channels. This is something I have written about for Gilbane (here and here), and I am very interested in best practices that will emerge as more and more companies use XML in producing content for global audiences.
SDL appropriately notes that the global implications of moving to XML must be considered up-front, and is providing seven “golden rules” at www.sdlglobalxml.com to ensure successful implementation of XML projects for communicating with global audiences:
- XML alone does not solve the issue of global content
- Think global from the start of your XML strategy
- Automate the process of managing higher volumes of smaller chunks, being sent more frequently for translation
- Ensure translators can visualize the context of XML chunks
- Optimize the structure of your XML for localization
- Protect your XML code during localization
- Ensure terminology and style are consistent across dispersed chunks
Posted by Bill Trippe at May 8, 2007 2:44 PM
Comments
Hi Andrew,
You must be in sales ;)
But you are smart to point out that SDL is not alone in having systems and tools that support companies with globalization needs that also need to work with XML in high-volume production systems. You might know that I have written quite a bit for Idiom (see here and here) and am very impressed with WorldServer.
Bill
Posted by Bill Trippe at May 11, 2007 1:08 PMPost a comment
Comments for this entry have been closed.
It sure is nice of SDL to point this out to their customer base, especially since Idiom's WorldServer, a cohesive localization platform, already addresses each of their golden rules, and has since several versions ago. All snipes aside, I really am glad that people are embracing this idea more and more.
Posted by Andrew Thomas at May 9, 2007 1:51 PM