Microsoft is already known for its aggressive efforts to extend its global reach. Now, it’s taking those efforts one step further.
The latest versions of the company’s dominant Windows computer operating system and popular Office software will soon be available in languages ranging from Ethiopia’s Amharic to Inuktitut of the Arctic’s Inuit, under a project between Microsoft and various local governments and universities.
The Local Language Programme has already resulted in a Hindi version of Microsoft’s software, and there are plans to make Windows available in 13 more languages spoken in India.
The software maker hopes the program will soon double the roster of languages available for Microsoft products, from 40 to 80.
Hundreds of millions of people speak the languages that will be offered, but it’s unclear how many of them have access to computers right now.
Microsoft is providing technology and footing the bill for the projects, then working with local officials in a country or community to build a glossary. Microsoft executive Maggie Wilderotter said the goal is to make sure it reflects both language and local culture.
”I think the main benefit is the cultural benefit,” Wilderotter said. ”Language is one of the most central parts of culture, and preservation of culture, and technology has this tendency to make everything very global.”
It won’t cost extra for users to get the software in their native language. And while Microsoft will own the technology used to build the glossaries, the company said local officials are free to use those glossaries to adapt other, competing software in their language.
Joe Wilcox, an analyst with Jupiter Research, said the local language offering may help Microsoft gain an edge in new markets that otherwise might be lost to homegrown competitors.
”If you look at Microsoft’s success, it’s really built on regions like North America and Europe, but where’s the growth? It’s Asia, it’s China, it’s India. These are the countries with massive populations, and also countries most likely to produce (another) Microsoft.” – Sapa-AP