AS400 Internationalization

Software internationalization (I18N) can be defined as the process of developing a software's code base (functionality) so that its feature design and code do not make assumptions based on a single language. Our I18N analysis will help determine the scope of work necessary for your software application to: a) support non-English characters (uppercase and double-byte enablement), b) sort based on different language rules, c) externalize literals (text separate from code), d) handle different address, time, date, and numerical formats, among other considerations.

The process of Internationalization (I18N) includes the following 4 steps:

  1. Discovery: which includes introductory education to I18N & L10N development issues, Q & A sessions with all software internationalization stakeholders, internationalization kit   preparation, and a review of current software internationalization readiness
  2. Assessment: which includes review and analysis of application, review and analysis of global marketing plans and requirements, design development, and build processes, review and analysis of current I18N and L10N strategies, review and analysis of source code
  3. Implementation: which includes externalization of hard-coded strings for ease of localization, currency/time/dates/numbers issue resolution, double-byte enabling, I18N-friendly build methodology, I18N test plan preparations, localization kit preparation, knowledge transfer I18N education, recommended I18N tools and any required tool training
  4. Testing: which includes client driven I18N and DBCS enablement testing, bug reporting-fixing and regression testing

In order to analyze your software and to determine its Internationalization and Localization Requirements, you will need to gather the following information (This information is collectively referred to as a "Internationalization/Localization Kit".):

  1. A quarter inch or 8mm tape containing all libraries that comprise your application (DDS, CL and RPG Source and Object, MSGF, UIM Panel Group Source, and PF-DATA, using SAVLIB command)
  2. Specific instructions as to any sources or programs that should not be considered for internationalization and/or localization
  3. If we are to compile the application, specific and detailed compiling instructions
  4. Any reference materials that might be useful for the subsequent localization process

Note: We need to know the version of the OS for which the libraries have been saved onto media (i.e. V3R2, V5R2, etc.)

Globalization Partners International is a member of IBM Partner World for Developers.