Translation is the process of converting a text from language to another. It is not, however, just a matter of a mechanical conversion of words: an accurate translation requires complete understanding of the original text on the part of the translator, who must 'render' it into the target language. 

     Localization is the process of adapting the original contents to the linguistic and cultural systems of the destination geo-linguistic area. This process must take into account technical standards, stylistic requirements, and the expectations and needs of the target market. Software localization involves the conversion of the textual information and the adaptation of the software functionality, user interface, online manual and multimedia resources to the target language, as well as the conversion of numeric components, adaptation of window size, and formatting modifications where necessary. Web site localization involves the conversion of the text and the adaptation of the site's graphical structure to the target language, the construction of a parallel navigation structure to keep each linguistic version in sync with the others, page formatting in order to support characters in the target language, image and graphics processing with translation and adaptation to the linguistic and cultural specifics of the target language, and finally the reprogramming of any advanced scripting elements (Java, Javascript, VisualBasic Script, script CGI/Perl/Php, files Flash/Shockwave, RealAudio, etc.).

     Globalization is the process of planning content which will be suited to a global public. Planning a software product or website right from the beginning in such a way as to make it as independent as possible from the geo-linguistic area it is aimed at is one of the essential requirements for reducing costs and simplifying the process of localizing the product itself. 

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