Web Globalisation

Hi Eve,

Globalisation is a difficult task, even on a small scale.

I'd recommend you look at some systems and CMS platforms that have demonstrable track record in this area:

www.trados.com - I worked (many moons ago) on a web translation platform based on Uniscape (now part of Trados Inc.) this platform allowed translators to work on a document-managed system, and streamlined translating multiple versions of documents. Their tools are worth investigating if you'll need to manage a distributed team of translators, or regional offices, especially if you have product information which is update in cycles.

On the marketing front, have a look at dynamic banner advertising systems such as www.FlashTalking.com - This platform allows you to get regional marketeers to update copy in local languages whilst controlling the creative centrally. We've done a lot of work using this platform and have found it easy to work with and powerfully flexible for allowing creative amends without costing the earth.

www.reddot.com - Red dot provide some information about globalisation of websites via their CMS on their site.

However, more and more, the Open Source CMS platforms are proving to very strong as globalised web platforms. CMS systems such as Joomla and Drupal are free, and include multiple language features.

www.joomla.org

www.drupal.com

Globalisation is obviously an expensive and difficult business. If you have regional marketing offices, I'd suggest centralising the publishing platform, and distributing the tools to manage the translation and marketing messages, without handing over the creative control, as you'll very quickly achieve a fragmented brand if you local offices run off with their own creative ideas.

Good luck with it.

Regards,
Stephen Foxworthy

www.bplmarketing.com