The localization and language industry helps companies, governments and not-for-profit organizations create global content for audiences of any culture and who speak any language.  Whether a multinational enterprise selling software, a mom-and-pop shop selling sandals, or a pharmaceutical company testing drugs around the world, the end user must understand in order to use your product or services.  Localization and language industry specialists make that happen.

Thousands of companies all over the world make up the globalization, localization, and internationalization industry, helping businesses deliver local content and language when communicating beyond their home turf.  As the world turns more global, the localization and language industry continues to grow quickly.

Common Sense Advisory estimates that the market for outsourced language services was over US$ 9 billion worldwide in 2006, growing to US$ 12 billion in 2007. Based on the trend-line over the last five years, Common Sense Advisory’s analysts predict that the market will reach US$22.5 billion by 2012, equating to a compound annual growth rate of 10.6 percent over the next five years. (“The Price of Translation,"2008).
 

Industry services defined

The localization and globalization industry consists of many different types of companies.
 

• Localization service providers (LSPs)
  LSPs adapt products so they seem natural to a particular region's residents. This process considers language, culture, customs, and other characteristics of the target locale.
   
• Language technology developers
  Technology facilitates efficient use of multilingual content and accelerates time-to-market solutions.
   
• Translation companies
  With more than 6,700 languages are spoken in 230 countries worldwide, translation providers make the world feel a little smaller.
   
• Research analysts, publications, and training institutes
  The globalization and localization industry includes top research analysts, publications, and training companies.
   
• Globalization and internationalization consultants
  Consulting covers the revision of business processes and management procedures and the adaptation of marketing tools.

Quick links

• Localization Overview
• Learn the lingo.
• Read GALAxy, GALA's quarterly newsletter.
• Visit the Knowledge Center.