SDL International, (London Stock Exchange:’SDL’), one of the largest providers of multilingual management solutions in the world, announced today that it is to deliver a substantial contract worth several million dollars US to Microsoft, (Nasdaq:MSFT), the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing.

 Microsoft makes a substantial investment in the translation and adaptation of its software for each local market. This new, long-term contract expands the long-standing relationship between the two companies.

SDL has been working with Microsoft since 1999, with a particular emphasis on localization for PC and Xbox games, where SDL is now Microsoft’s preferred partner. These projects include localization of multiple components such as audio, software, documentation and packaging within tight timeframes and to consistently high levels of quality. SDL has now localized over 30 games into up to 10 languages, for titles such as Age of Empires and Mech Warrior for the PC and Halo and Gotham for the Xbox.

SDL also provides substantial support for Microsoft’s software testing procedures, from its Technology Testing Centre in Dublin – for example, the QA testing of Works Suite 7.0 into five languages.

"We are very pleased to conclude this new relationship with SDL. Microsoft has worked with SDL for several years and recognizes the experience and systems that have been built to consistently deliver high quality work," said Anil Singh-Molares, Senior Director for Consumer Group Services at Microsoft.

“SDL has built a substantial support organisation for Microsoft, so we are very pleased to conclude this new agreement”, said Dominic Kinnon, Group Divisional Director of SDL International, which is emerging as the world leader of localization service and software support products.