Localization's impact on purchasing decisions

Companies that adapt their products to local languages and market needs have a significantly greater chance of selling to international buyers. In 1 September 2008 survey of 351 buyers of business software from eight non-Anglophone countries, research firm Common Sense Advisory (CSA) found a high correlation between purchasing likelihood and localized products. The survey, included business people in Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Spain, and Sweden.The findings are detailed in CSA's report "Localization Matters". CSA'S Chief Research Officer Donald DePalma explains,"Many firms still debate whether it makes business sense for them to localize their products, mostly because there is a longstanding assumption that people feel comfortable using English. However, this data clearly shows that even when people speak English confidently, they still prefer products in their language.

Forgetting will become a distant memory

Details of everyday life will be recorded, stored, analyzed, and provided at the appropriate time and place by both portable and stationary smart appliances. To help make this possible, microphones and video cameras will record conversations and activities. The information collected will be automatically stored and analyzed on a personal computer. People can then be prompted to "rememer" what discussions they had, for example, with their daughter or doctor by telephone. Based on such conversations, smart phones equipped with global-positioning technology might also remind them to pick up groceries or prescriptions if they pass a particular store at a particular time. It's not hard to imagine that TVs, remote controls, or even coffee table tops, can one day be the familiar mediums through which we tap into our digitally stored information.

You will have your own digital shopping assistants

A combination of new technology and the next wave of mobile devices will give the in-store shopping experience a significant boost. Fitting rooms soon will be outfitted with digital shopping assistants - touch screen and voice activated kiosks that will allow you to choose clothing items and accessories to complement, or replace, what you already selected. Once you make your selections, a sales associate is notified and will gather the items and bring them directly to you. You'll also be able to snap photos of yourself in different combinations and email or SMS them to your friends and family for the thumbs up ... or the thumbs down.