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Writing Software for Worldwide Distribution Proves Difficult
lupa1420 writes "Insensitive computer programmers with little knowledge of geography have cost the giant Microsoft company hundreds of millions of dollars in lost business and led hapless company employees to be arrested by offended governments."
first post comes now.
The mistake led to the whole of the Windows 95 operating system being banned in the country, losing large sales. For its replacement, Microsoft, Office 97, Microsoft removed the colour coding and sold 100,000 copies in India.
I never knew you could install Office 97 as a replacement to Windows 95! Stupid me always thinking I had to install an OS before I could install any applications.
IGB: More fun than eating oatmeal!
The Spanish version of Windows used the word Hembra - meaning "woman" in Spain - for choosing gender. But in some Central American republics, notably Nicaragua, the word is an insult meaning "bitch". The programme was changed.
This is one area that all vendors intending international release MUST pay attention. Although unintentional, these linguistic translations will kill sales. GM had this w/the Chevy Nova, which means 'No Go', and the Mexican market suffered.
When marketing to other countries, the culture needs to be factored in.
That said, other countries being offended by offerings in the USA (like the Koran chant in the video game) need to be scoffed at. Their culture is not the US culture and should not be considered.
Actually, the Pacific Ocean borders the Western United States, and you can drive there from anywhere in North America.
Sorry, had to kill it, couldn't help myself...
Some people don't even know that "it's" is a contraction for "it is."
All I have to say is: All your base are belong to us
I mean, gregorian chants are used in dark action flicks and sometimes games as soundtrack all the time. The only reason no one cares is because the idiotic fucks who do care don't know much about gregorian chants.
Photos.
I think the solution can be found in RTS games. The Kashmir part of the Time Zones map should be covered in "fog of war". An attempt to click there should bring up a dialog with a request "Please enter the desired time in this zone".
Future Wiki -- If you don't think about the future, you cannot have one.