Global village slowly going digital (fwd link)

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Global village slowly going digital

2008-10-21 10:12:11
By Guardian Reporter
UK

Computers are increasingly ubiquitous in the developing world as software and
internet companies create operating systems, computing programmes, and
web-based portals in hundreds of indigenous languages.

Following the rapid growth of local-language technology in mobile phones and
open-source programmes, many software and internet companies are scrambling to
gain a foothold in these markets.

Microsoft already offers its flagship Windows and Office products in about 40
different languages, including Arabic and French.

But the US software giant is also developing what it calls ``interface packs``.
The free downloads are now available in 37 additional indigenous languages,
including isiZulu (South Africa), Quechua (Andes region) and Inuktitut (rural
Canada).

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http://ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2008/10/21/124841.html