Over the years, we have managed the translation of many software and hardware user guides, online help systems, technical manuals, technical brochures and other documentation into all European and Scandinavian languages including Czech, Greek, Turkish, Russian and Finnish. We also localise software and other products for different countries by translating user-interface text, labels and packaging.

Note the word 'managed' in the previous paragraph. We do not pretend to employ translators directly. Instead, we have close collaborative relationships with a number of specialist translation agencies whose expertise and integrity we have come to trust.

Typically, the translation process has the following stages:

1. We carefully prepare the English text to minimises translation costs and to facilitate correct assembly of the final documents. This generally involves:
   • ensuring that the English text is thoroughly checked in every respect to eliminate the need for changes after translation.
   • identifying all specialised terms in the text and, where possible, obtaining the accepted/preferred equivalents in each target language from our clients' overseas divisions or agents.
   • identifying any significant elements of common text between documents to ensure that these are translated only once into each target language.
   • attaching unique reference codes to all individual text elements so that we can positively correlate every piece of the translated material with the English original. This virtually eliminates the possibility of incorrect assembly of the final translated documents.
2. The project is discussed with the translation house to identify and resolve any potential problems and to brief them of any special requirements or stipulations.
3. We identify and agree the best-qualified translators for the project. Without exception, every translator:
   • is a native speaker of the target language.
   • is a Member, Associate or Fellow of the Institute of Linguists or similar professional body. has at least three years' translation experience.
   • has relevant qualifications or experience in the technology or subject of the translation.
4. We maintain close contact with the translators during the project to ensure that queries are resolved – not ignored or fudged. Through long association, our translation colleagues are familiar with our absolute insistence on quality and accuracy. They will always question rather than make guesses – however well-informed.
5. Drafts translations are thoroughly proof-read by the translators, and copies provided to our clients for checking by overseas divisions, agents or other relevant people. Where required, we submit drafts to an independent mother-tongue translator for further proof-reading.
6. After incorporating all proof-reading comments, we assemble and format the final material and submit it for final checks.