Should You Build or Buy Translation Technology?

Localization refers to ensuring your products and services as well as the functioning of the backend of your organization are tweaked so that they work for local customers. There are various types of localization technology that can help businesses fit themselves and their products and services wherever they go. Should you build localization technologies or buy them from third-party technology vendors?

When you should build

In some cases, it might make more sense for you to build localization technology in-house rather than buying it from an external vendor. Here are some reasons for you to consider:

• Complex requirements: It is possible that the work you do is so complex that the localization technology you need is also equally complicated. If you believe that the complexity cannot be explained clearly to an external vendor, it is best to build the technology in-house to ensure you get everything you need built into the technology. This can, however, cost a lot of time and money unless you have an in-house team ready and skilled for the work at hand.
• Existing in-house team of specialists: If you already have a tech team in your organization that has all the required know-how and experience of building localization technology, then it makes sense to build the technology in-house instead of approaching an outside vendor. You should ideally free the entire team up to work on the tech so that it can be built quickly while ridding the technology of glitches and bugs.
• Abundant resources available: If you wish to build your own localization technology in-house, but do not have a team and other resources in place already, then be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in the process. As long as you have enough resources at your disposal, building the technology in-house can work well.

When you should buy

In some instances, buying localization technology would make a lot of business sense

• Cost effective to buy: For most companies, investing in building localization technology in-house may not be financially viable. Also, there are a number of third-party tech vendors who specialize in this technology and can provide the services you require for your organization. Most of these vendors offer the technology at very cost-effective prices. In such cases, it makes financial sense to buy instead of building the tech in-house.
• Better use of internal resources elsewhere: If you have a team of technology specialists but need them working on some other internal or client projects, then it may not be possible to free them up to build localization technology. In such cases, it mightbe a good idea to buy the technology from an external tech vendor.
• Time-effectiveness critical: If you do not have the luxury of time and need the localization technology in a short span of time, then buying it from an external vendor that specializes in the technology is a good idea. External vendors have the technology ready to use and the means to tweak it to your requirements as required in no time.

What you should absolutely localize

These are some areas of business that need to be localized for your products and services to sell and for your organization to be successful in various locations:

• Marketing messages and media
• Product and service pricing and policies
• Store layout and design, level of customer service, and hours

You can consult a localization expert who can help you make important decision about buying or building the technology, prioritizing some bits of localization over others, and choosing the right tech vendor for you if you decide to buy the technology.

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