Web, software, and HTML considerations

  • Article

Web content attracts a worldwide audience. When you develop websites, keep in mind that customers may not have the latest browsers, broadband internet access isn't available everywhere, and internet service providers don't always charge a flat monthly rate for access. Follow these guidelines to support customers around the world.

Support a variety of browsers and experiences

Support browsers likely to be used by worldwide audiences. To support earlier versions of browsers, you might need to:

  • Provide a no-frames version.

  • Avoid certain elements in scripts.

  • Include some design information (such as background color) in the document files instead of the style sheet.

  • Avoid nested tables.

  • Test using a variety of browsers and versions.

Design content so fonts will be substituted if the specified font isn't available. Avoid hand-drawn fonts and fonts that are hard-coded in text or code.

Use standard HTML tags, not proprietary tags. If you’re developing HTML text with scripted code, globalize text that’s generated by the scripts, too.

Use the simplest possible design solutions.

Minimize download time

Keep pages as small as possible, and include text-only versions for larger content. Internet service charges still vary greatly by locale and access method.

Design pages so text loads first, followed by graphics, so pages are usable before they're finished loading.

Support multiple languages

Support reading from right to left or from top to bottom. For example, provide key information, such as home page links, at both the upper-right and upper-left sides of the page.

Allow space for text expansion due to localization.

Comply with US and local laws as well as software availability

Follow laws pertaining to software restrictions. Pay particular attention to downloads and multiproduct DVDs.

  • US law restricts the international delivery of certain information and technology. Verify that the download complies with US law.

  • Be aware of local download restrictions. The distribution of marketing statements; political statements; and the names of people, places, and landmarks is restricted by law in some countries and regions. Verify that the download is legal in the country or region.

Verify availability. Some products and formats aren't available worldwide. Localized versions of new and updated products and formats may lag behind US availability.

Link only to sites that are available and useful worldwide.

Link to a site where the reader can specify the appropriate country or region, if possible.

Identify links and cross-references that aren’t globally relevant. If you must link to a site or refer to a publication that’s not globalized, inform your readers.

Know where your email is going

Monitor subscriptions to your newsletter to determine the reader's location. Newsletters emailed to people outside the United States must be globalized, localized, or customized to meet local requirements.