The 35-million member strong European social networking site Netlog has opened its translation and localization capabilities to third-party developers. The site's translation system allows nearly  instant translation into 23 languages.

Netlog is unique among social networking sites in that it only accepts applications offering "a clear added value" - refusing applications that force users to leave the site, install the application or invite friends. "In order to reach all of the 35 million Netlog members, applications needs to be localized," explained Lorenz Bogaert, co-founder and CEO at Netlog. "Using our translation function, developers can reach their target audience almost instantly in their local language - something other social networks fail to understand."

Three months ago, Netlog joined the OpenSocial initiative, which allows developers on the platform to use a common set of programming interfaces on social sites such as Orkut, MySpace, Yahoo!, Hi5 and Friendster. OpenSocial makes it easier for developers to build social applications and for websites to add more social features quickly. Netlog also announced it will give developers access to its "credits economy," offering developers an alternative for advertising revenues.