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RECOMMENDATIONSImplementing Localized FOSS in AsiaAsia is the world’s battleground for FOSS localization. The monopolistic proprietary companies have notyet established dominance in Asia. For reasons of national interest, many Asian governments have adoptedpolicies that encourage software alternatives, primarily FOSS.In some countries the localization to date has been the work of a few dedicated enthusiasts scatteredaround the globe. Few have been paid for their efforts, and the disorganized nature of their translationshas unintentionally produced ambiguities.For the most part, the volunteers are programmers, not linguists. They need help from translators, technicalwriters and testers. Since localization deals primarily with language rather than programming issues,non-technical staff should outnumber programmers five to one. Even before adopting a formal FOSSpolicy, direct support for technical dictionaries and standards for localization can begin. Local languagespecialists require only professional salaries and offices. Technical writers and testers can be trained withina few months.Supporting international localization initiatives, where languages that share significant similarities (i.e.,Thai, Lao and Khmer) share programming and technical resources, is very cost effective. The value createdfor society as a whole, with new dictionaries and a technical standard enabling programmers andtranslators to consistently localize any FOSS for a low price, is undeniable. Other Asian countries shouldfollow the example of the CJK initiative.Localization initiatives should have very clear objectives, and the resources required to meet thoseobjectives. They require funding, professional management and technical expertise. In addition, thoroughlinguistic knowledge is critical to success.These initiatives will result in the creation of local centres where the knowledge is dispersed to thosewho will perform the actual work. Such centres can be the product of governmental action or businesspartnerships, or operate as part of a university. Regardless of how the centres are founded, they shouldenjoy the full support of government policy.It is time to professionalize the process of Asian software localization, especially for developing countries.A great opportunity can be lost if haphazard efforts lead to undependable results. Where public goodcannot be achieved by individual effort, the government is expected to help. A professional group canrequest the help of volunteers, but central coordination and basic work ought to be done by a dedicatedteam of paid staff.It could be that the yearly fees paid by a developing country for a single department’s commercial softwareis enough to underwrite that country’s participation in the FOSS movement.Establish localization centres to be the focal point for FOSS developers to share information, developskills, and build on existing accomplishments. Where different countries have linguistic commonalities,a regional localization centre could share the cost of development. Specialists who are familiar withsource code, linguists and analysts could be available to assist a wide variety of projects and build aknowledge base to accelerate future development.Sponsor the creation of technical dictionaries and standards so that consistency is retained in all FOSSprojects. With standard terminology, computer users are less likely to encounter frustration, and withstandard technological procedures and processes, FOSS code can remain comprehensible to all ITprofessionals. Adherence to such standards should be mandated in all software procurement policiesimplemented by the government.17