Microsoft Corp. launched on Tuesday a program to create versions of Windows and its other programs in little spoken languages such as Amharic, Catalan, Gujarati and Welsh to spread its software to all corners of the globe.
The Local Language Program aims to double the 40 languages now available on Microsoft's personal computer software with help from local governments.
Maggie Wilderotter, Microsoft's senior vice president in charge of working with governments overseas, said localized versions of Microsoft's Windows and programs such as Office would encourage local software engineers and businesses to build Windows-based programs and local software industries.
Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, faces growing competition overseas and in the United States from Linux, the operating system that can be copied and modified by developers and users. (MSNBC is a Microsoft - NBC joint venture.)
Wilderotter said local governments and academic institutions would be involved in setting standards, building glossaries and developing Windows in various languages.
These versions will be deployed by adding software to Windows XP, Microsoft's latest desktop operating system.
Microsoft said it was already working with governments in the Catalonian region, which cuts across Spain, France, Andorra and Italy, to develop a local version of Windows. Some 11 million people speak Catalan.
Welsh, the language of Wales in the United Kingdom, is another project currently under way.
Microsoft said it was preparing to deploy a version of Windows in Ethiopia's language of Amharic, and also expanding its offerings in Indian languages beyond Hindi to include nine more this year, such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Gujarati.
