Localization is often confused with translation, which is only one of the components of the localization process. True localization involves adapting the linguistic, cultural and regulatory aspects of a product or website to ensure that all text, forms, dates, currencies, colors, logos, symbols, icons, graphics and documents comply with the local custom, practice and requirements of a specific target market. The target market can be a country, a specific province or region, or a given demographic audience within a target market. The process addresses significant, non-textual components of products or services. All of these activities aim to recognize local sensitivities, avoid conflict with local culture and habits, and to enter local markets by merging into specific needs and desires.
Localization is an integral phase of the more comprehensive "globalization" process which is to plan the design and development methods for a product for a multicultural audience in order for the localizing effort for each region or country to be more efficient and effective. The first phase of globalization is "internationalization" which encompasses the planning and preparation stages for a product that is built by design to support multiple global markets.
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