Segments

GIL (Globalization, Internationalization and Localization) or GLS (Globalization and Localization Services) is composed of LTI (Localization, Translation and Interpretation) or traditional translation. LTI is further segmented into software localization, web localization, translation, content localization and interpretation. Machine Translation (MT) is the most rapidly growing segment in terms of volume of content translated - probably already over 10 times the volume of HT (human translation), but maybe only 1% of the revenue volume. HT will retain the major revenue share of the translation market for the foreseeable future because of the great cost difference between HT and MT. Other sectors of GIL include Internationalization (I18n), GSC (Global Strategy Consulting) services and Cross Lingual Application Services, which includes IT consulting, systems integration, implementation, support, and training.

Volume

The globalization and localization services industry is dynamic and growing. According to an August 2002 IDC bulletin, the globalization, internationalization, and localization services market was worth USD$3.8 billion in 2000, and forecasts a value of $4.5 billion by 2002, representing a growth rate of 6.6% over 2001. IDC forecasts that spending will recover its double-digit growth rate in 2003 and the market value will increase to nearly $8 billion in 2006.

ABI evaluated the translation world market on the basis of the potential translation power of the world's translators. 140,000 full-time translators and 250,000 part time translators, translating 2,000 words per day full-time at an average cost of 40 Euro per day globally comprised a production force valued at more than 7.4 Billion EUR in 1998.

Demographics

Translation services are concentrated in Western Europe with 49% of the world market, followed by the Far East countries with a share of 39 %. Demand in the public sector is weaker than from industry. (ABI)

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Sources

• "Worldwide Globalization, Internationalization, and Localization Services Market Forecast and Analysis Update, 2001-2006" published by IDC in Apr 2002 http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jhtml?containerId=26739
• "Language Translation, Localization and Globalization" published by ABI (Allied Business Intelligence) on 09/21/2002 http://www.alliedworld.com/servlets/ResearchDetails?productid=TRAN02
• "The Multilingual Site Blueprint" published by Forrester Research in June 2000