Planning for Translation: What We've Learned the Hard Way
http://www.stc.org/ConfProceed/1993/PDFs/Pg6972.pdf

Russell, Anne and Monet Thomson
STC Proceedings
1993

Abstract:

For software products to succeed in the international marketplace, the documentation team needs to plan for translation from the beginning of product development. Experience shows that the following factors can contribute to the elusive goal of simultaneous release of software domestically and internationally: early freeze of the product interface, a well-thought-out translation plan, agreed-upon procedures and goals, standard tools for creating art and text files, and early editing. This paper gives practical tips for avoiding problems in translation.