This article describes Microsoft's efforts to bring translation and localization costs under control. Microsoft spends millions of dollars on localization, with translation in the critical path to product delivery. Finding an optimal way of cutting costs was a key to survival and success in the global marketplace. In spite of its size, the company takes an entrepreneurial and creative approach to problem-solving, and the innovation employed apply to small as well as large companies - with implications far beyond the software industry. The author focuses on the need for true global design of products, and for cost-basis accounting to rein in skyrocketing localization expense. He discusses the application of quality and cost metrics to translation at Microsoft.