The internationalization and localization of social networking sites poses a different set of challenges from the globalization of other types of software products. Yes, we still start by generalizing the software so it can accept other character sets, cultural standards and UI languages (internationalization can be seen as a generalization exercise). But localization of a social networking site such as Plaxo Pulse means much more than simply translating the product or adapting images and examples. It means customizing Pulse so that it makes sense to the users in each country. People in other parts of the world may use sites to upload photos, post blogs or share videos that are different from the ones we use in the US -- so those feeds should be made available. And it should be easy for them to import their address books into Pulse leveraging the services they already use, which also vary from country to country.
So after making Pulse available in our supported languages (which we will be expanding soon) we are now looking at each of our major markets and adding custom features that can bring life and meaning to people’s Pulse experience.
Last week we targeted our growing number of users in India and made it possible for them to import their Indiatimes or Rediff mail address books into Pulse. And we are also offering some beautiful eCards celebrating the popular Holi festival or Festival of Colors.
We will continue to be busy at work bringing other custom features to different countries each week!
Regina Bustamante
Director, Globalization
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://blogadmin.plaxo.com/mt-tb.cgi/195Comments
Would you like to send me suggestions on similar features for the Russian market? I'll contact you by email so we can start this conversation. Thanks for your comment.
And Brazil, I've notice that a lot of my connections in Linkedin are migrating to Plaxo too. Do you guys plan to have a Brazilian Portuguese version?
Very interesting info, and I can imagine that it must be a challenge with this type of product.
If you need any support for the Latin American market, please advise as I have a good deal of experience with internationalization and localization for the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets.
That is a very good idea. But at first it would be good to provide local languages. I highly recommend Polish and other EU languages. Today EU with over 500 million people is covered only in some areas. Americans still do not recognize EU and assume that in Europe everybody is speaking English.
With diversity of languages, bilingual option (local + international language) would be required. Today Plaxo is used outside US by people who speak English and own national language.
Which solution Plaxo shall choose is important for its future development. Of course you can address India and China first, but it would necessary to recognize that in such a case there would be necessary to go with hundreds (not 2) of local languages.
Jerzy
Es wäre gut wenn es möglich ist mir auf Deutsch Rück zu antwort ich bin zwar in England (Wallasey)
geboren aber kann nicht Englisch es ist für mich sehr schwer ein E - Mail - Programm zu finden mit einem Übersetzer.Kenneth - Roy - Glazebrook
Wow, we would really love to hear more about this at the Localization Unconference in San Mateo soon. Check out our website: http://www.localizationunconference.com/
I am making business, friends and family connections in Brazil via Plaxo. I am happy to hear Plaxo will facilitate connecting and keeping in touch with my friends in Brazil. I already have some of these connections via "Orkut" which is very very popular in Brazil.
All, thanks very much for the comments. I have already made contact with Igor wrt features for Russia. I'd like to answer a few more comments:
@Affini: We do have a Portuguese version! Are you not using it? It is easy to change your language (as well as other cultural standards) by clicking on the Settings link at the top of the Pulse page to bring up your account settings. Obrigada.
@Carla: Thanks. If you'd like you can write directly to me (my first name at my company's name).
@Jerzy: You are right. We are looking not only at local features but also at adding more European languages. BTW we have been experiencing quite a nice growth in Poland, even with the UI still in English .
@Ultan: Thanks, I will be there!
@Ronaldo: Thank you. Brazil is one of our top countries and we are looking at ways to integrate with Orkut via OpenSocial. In the meantime, I believe that Plaxo offers a very worthwhile user experience and can be not only useful but a lot of fun.
@Kenneth: I'm sorry I don't speak German; but I used a translation tool on your message and think you are saying you would like to use German instead of English. In Pulse that's possible, just follow the instructions I gave for Portuguese. And if you want to send me an email in German with product suggestions I will get it translated....
I believe this is the way to go if we want businesses and economies to progress. Open up to the world and share best practices and experiences in excellence that can be localized to satisfy local markets, needs and demands. Having worked for global companies was very advantageous indeed!
An important and interesting topic. Hope you will consider a Chinese version as well -- "BRIC" is will play a key role in Globalization. Warm regards to all!
Austin, we have a Chinese version already, and released customized features for China similar to the ones I described in my post: a Chinese specific address book importer, feeds from popular Chinese sites and Chinese eCards (we had a large selection for Chinese New Year). Our UI is also localized into Simplified Chinese.
It is a commendable initiative towards greater integration and social bonding for realising global village in reality .This will bring people from diverse background together on a common platform for greater productivity through multiplier effect.
And what about Russia, Regina?