Options for globalization

Globalization, also known as localization or multicultural support, is the process of organizing an application so that it can be configured to work in different countries and in different languages.

Globalization can raise logistical issues that relate to workflow behavior in different languages or countries. For example, business logic for an application can vary because of different regulations. The globalization requirements of your applications might vary. However, the following options are the most common:

US English

Your applications are used only in US English.

One language, not US English

Your organization conducts its business in one official language and presents information to users only in that language.

Official language with multilingual workforce

Your organization conducts its internal business in one official language but presents information to users in their own languages.

Multilingual with no official language

Your company does not have an official language and users work with data in multiple languages.

All business objects that come with the IBM® TRIRIGA® Application Platform are written in US English and use units of measure and currency that are appropriate for the United States. If you use the US English option, you do not need to globalize your applications unless they were developed in another language. If you use one of the other options, you must globalize your applications to support the required languages.

You can use globalization features to adjust an application to an organization. For example, some labels or descriptions are supplied with an application but your organization decides that they do not suit its business practices. Instead of directly modifying any forms, you can define a language and supply translations for specific labels and descriptions to match business practices. If you customize an application this way, you can avoid incompatibilities between modified business objects and business objects.