Department of English and American Studies English-language Translation

Historical Overview

The history of cloud computing began in 1961 when American computer expert John McCarthy proposed that computing solutions could be sold as utilities, a concept that was ahead of its time due to the limitations of existing technology It wasn't until the 1990s, when telephone companies transitioned to virtual private networks, that cloud services began to materialize, significantly reducing costs The term "cloud computing" was first introduced by Prof Ramnath K Chellappa in 1997, describing it as a computing paradigm driven by economic rationale rather than technical constraints Amazon pioneered cloud services by launching Amazon Web Services in 2002, recognizing that data centers were underutilized Google followed suit in 2006 with the launch of Google Docs, which became a significant player in the cloud space Today, an increasing number of companies are adopting cloud solutions, leading to exponential growth in the sector and promising future prospects.

Deployment Models

The cloud infrastructure is based on four deployment models: public, private, community and hybrid.

The public cloud model offers cloud infrastructure to the general public or large industry groups, typically owned by organizations that provide cloud services These organizations often implement various payment schemes, such as subscription fees and contextual advertising This model underpins popular cloud services like Google Docs While it fosters collaboration and provides access to IT resources at lower costs than in-house solutions, it also raises concerns about data security, as users may be uncertain about the location of their data and who has access to it.

The private cloud model operates exclusively for a single organization, allowing for management by either the organization itself or a third party, and can be located on-premises or off-premises This model is ideal for handling sensitive organizational data, as it functions behind a firewall, ensuring enhanced security compared to public servers However, it lacks the scalability and collaborative advantages offered by public cloud solutions.

The community cloud model allows multiple organizations with shared interests to collaboratively utilize cloud infrastructure, which can be managed either by the organizations themselves or a third party, and may be located on-premises or off-premises This model fosters joint efforts among entities, enabling them to benefit collectively from cloud computing resources While it offers improved security compared to public clouds by keeping data private, there remains a risk of potential misuse by other participating organizations.

The hybrid cloud model integrates two or more distinct cloud environments—private, community, or public—using standardized or proprietary technology to ensure data and application portability This approach allows organizations to allocate data across different cloud types, leveraging the strengths of each model However, careful structuring and labeling of data are essential to avoid potential complications that may arise from mismanagement.

Service Models

The cloud provides a diverse range of service models that can be integrated to achieve optimal solutions These models operate primarily on three foundational frameworks: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Software as a Service (SaaS) allows consumers to access applications hosted on a cloud infrastructure via a simple interface, such as a web browser, eliminating the need for complex software installations and ongoing maintenance This model offers convenience and efficiency, but it also requires users to trust third-party providers to handle their data responsibly and maintain service continuity.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) enables organizations to deploy applications developed with supported programming languages and tools onto cloud infrastructure, allowing them to focus on building their own solutions without managing underlying hardware or software However, it is essential to be aware of potential availability and confidentiality concerns associated with the system.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) allows users to provision essential computing resources such as processing power, storage, and networks, enabling them to deploy and run various software, including operating systems and applications This model serves as a foundational framework for previous deployment models, with providers typically offering IT infrastructure through virtualization.

Characteristics

Cloud-based deployments share common characteristics, with "on-demand" being a key phrase that highlights their primary advantage This capability allows customers to access only the services they need, eliminating the necessity for maintaining IT infrastructure that is rarely used or required solely during peak times.

Cloud-based deployments offer greater scalability compared to traditional solutions, allowing customers to pay only for the specific software functionalities they need for a limited time Unlike perpetual licensing, which requires upfront payment for the entire license regardless of usage, cloud computing enables service providers to implement flexible subscription-based models This approach not only accommodates varying customer needs but also optimizes costs by aligning payments with actual usage.

The scalability of the entire system relies on the ability to measure cloud services, which benefits both providers and customers by enhancing performance and optimizing resource allocation.

“control and optimise the resource use by leveraging a metering capability” (Cloud Computing: Business Benefits 6).

Cloud-based services offer rapid deployment, significantly reducing the time needed to implement large-scale IT solutions Unlike traditional methods, which can take weeks or months to gather resources, cloud solutions allow customers to quickly access services by simply logging into an online interface, enabling them to get started with minimal effort.

Cloud-based data storage offers significant advantages for data backup, particularly in remote locations In the event of a computer crash, users can rest assured that their data is safe and secure, as it is stored on the service provider's servers rather than on the local hard drive.

When selecting a cloud service provider, it is crucial to prioritize data security and availability The provider is responsible for securely storing your data and ensuring it is accessible on demand Therefore, customers must make informed choices to guarantee their data is stored safely and can be retrieved whenever necessary.

When evaluating the cost efficiency of cloud-based systems versus traditional ones, two key factors—Return on Investment (ROI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)—must be considered beyond just the subscription price Companies deploying applications should account for the infrastructure costs required for operation, while also recognizing the savings associated with transitioning to the cloud This shift reduces the necessity for purchasing hardware and hiring additional IT staff, ultimately leading to significant cost reductions.

Summary

Cloud computing has rapidly transformed service delivery since its initial concept in 1961, gaining momentum after Amazon's pioneering efforts Today, numerous companies provide cloud-based services, utilizing diverse deployment and service models to meet varying needs By migrating resources to the cloud, customers enjoy scalable, on-demand solutions tailored to their requirements However, it is crucial for users to exercise caution, as reliance on third-party solutions can pose risks to data security.

Translation Workspace, developed by Lionbridge, is a comprehensive cloud-based solution for translation and localization, designed for freelancers, agencies, and enterprises Its scalable nature allows for the efficient handling of numerous projects, from simple translation tasks to extensive localization efforts that require collaboration among translators, reviewers, linguists, and project managers The platform offers an array of features, including Translation Memories (TMs), glossaries, review packages, and various client tools such as a Microsoft Word plug-in, XLIFF Editor, and Online Review Client, all aimed at enhancing the translation process.

Historical Overview

Lionbridge demonstrated significant foresight in the development of cloud-based CAT tools by launching Logoport in 2005, a pioneering tool that later evolved into Translation Workspace Initially designed as a plug-in for Microsoft Word, Logoport was enhanced with the standalone XLIFF Editor, merging traditional CAT functionalities—such as access to translation memories (TMs), glossaries, and concordance searches—with cloud-based capabilities However, its use was limited to Lionbridge's translation projects, making it essential for freelancers and partners wishing to collaborate with the company Notably, Logoport was offered at no cost, which contributed to its popularity, supporting 70 clients and 4,800 users globally by 2006 and processing over 10 billion words before being succeeded by Translation Workspace.

In April 2010, Lionbridge introduced Translation Workspace, a platform built on Logoport technology This launch not only marked a shift in the platform's name but also brought about two significant policy changes that enhanced its functionality and user experience.

The platform's usability has expanded beyond Lionbridge projects, allowing competitors to participate, although all Lionbridge-originated projects must still use Translation Workspace Rocio Txabarriaga and Benjamin B Sargent identify three key reasons for this shift: fostering an ecosystem, removing the stigma of relying on a single supplier, and competing more effectively against technology rivals.

Translation Workspace is a subscription-based platform that requires payment from all users, including freelancers and large enterprises, to access its services Although the fee is adjusted according to the volume of words translated, this pricing model has sparked controversy, as it represents the sole means for Language Service Providers to collaborate with Lionbridge The debate primarily revolves around whether individuals and organizations should incur costs for the chance to partner with a translation agency.

Lionbridge reported significant enthusiasm for its Translation Workspace just 100 days post-launch, highlighting a remarkable output of nearly 100 million words per month and attracting over 1,600 users across more than 50 countries.

Lionbridge

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Lionbridge employs approximately 4,500 staff across 26 countries, with the nearest center to the Czech Republic located in Žilina, Slovakia In addition to developing translation software, Lionbridge offers a comprehensive range of services including translation, localization, interpretation, and testing.

GeoWorkz

Merchandize

GeoWorkz serves as a sales portal for those looking to utilize Translation Workspace, differentiating itself from traditional stand-alone tools that require a license Instead of licensing, language service providers (LSPs) pay based on the volume of words processed monthly GeoWorkz offers various subscription plans tailored to the needs of freelancers, agencies, and enterprises, with freelancer plans providing a single user license, while agency and enterprise plans allow for multiple licenses and are scaled by word volume, facilitating collaboration among users under the same subscription.

Every plan offers essential features such as basic support, zero maintenance and upgrade costs, and a pay-as-you-go option for any additional words beyond the plan's limit (GeoWorkz) These subscription benefits are particularly noteworthy when compared to the traditional licensing practices of conventional tools While support and maintenance costs are typically included in the license price, it is uncommon for upgrade costs to be covered For instance, when SDL released a new version of their software, SDL Trados Studio 2011, users who had purchased earlier versions were required to either pay for an upgrade or buy an entirely new license, depending on the version they were upgrading from.

Freelancer plans begin at $14 per month, while agency plans start at $71 per month, and enterprise plans are available from $363 per month.

Support

Sales services are closely linked with support services, offering subscribers a choice between Basic Support and Extended Support All subscribers automatically receive free access to Basic Support, which includes online resources such as User Guides, FAQs, and Self-Training Materials This plan also allows for 24/7 contact with the support office for assistance with issues like Translation Workspace client installation, subscription management, and GeoWorkz Directory inquiries For advanced users, Extended Support is available, providing all Basic Support features along with direct phone access to the Support Specialists Team.

As of October 21, 2012, prices for services can be found on the official GeoWorkz website For inquiries related to Asset Aliasing, online reviews, or asset linking, customers can access 24/7 support with the premium plan, which also offers assistance with client configuration and performance However, these additional benefits come at a cost and are not included in the basic plan.

Training

GeoWorkz prioritizes training and self-improvement by providing both self-paced and instructor-led learning opportunities Users can access a wide range of downloadable materials and streamed content, including pre-recorded demos showcasing the Translation Workspace's functionality Additionally, GeoWorkz specialists offer regular online training courses that cover various aspects of using the platform, with significant portions dedicated to addressing questions and answers.

GeoWorkz Directory and GeoWorkz Marketplace

GeoWorkz offers more than just a sales and support platform for Translation Workspace; it also provides three interconnected services: GeoWorkz Directory, GeoWorkz Marketplace, and GeoFluent, enhancing the overall user experience and functionality of Translation Workspace.

The GeoWorkz Directory is a valuable LSP database designed to simplify the job search for language service providers (LSPs) while assisting translation service buyers in finding the right specialists for their projects By facilitating connections between buyers and suppliers within the Translation Workspace, the Directory enhances the recruitment process Additionally, it is offered as a complimentary feature for all Translation Workspace subscribers.

The GeoWorkz Marketplace is a platform that connects Lionbridge translation jobs with individual Language Service Providers (LSPs) who can bid on these opportunities Jobs are sourced from Lionbridge offices globally and are intended for their Fortune 500 clients While anyone can view the available translation jobs, only registered subscribers can submit bids.

Features

Project Management

Translation Workspace enhances project management by enabling specialist teams to collaborate in real-time, regardless of distance Its cloud-based platform allows multiple users to access translation memories (TMs) and glossaries, while integrated chat tools promote effective communication As the number of licenses increases, proper allocation becomes crucial, allowing administrators to optimize resources for essential users Additionally, Translation Workspace offers review and quality assurance features to streamline the translation process and improve the status of translation units.

Language Management

Translation Workspace enhances Language Management through its patented Live Asset feature, which centralizes language assets like translation memories (TMs) and glossaries These assets are updated in real-time as users input new segments or terms, enabling seamless collaboration and terminology consistency among subscribers According to GeoWorkz, Live TM assets are self-maintaining, streamlining process-driven management and reducing expensive synchronization efforts Additionally, the asset sequencing functionality aggregates repositories into a comprehensive collection of reference materials, all securely stored in a subscriber's private cloud.

Live Asset consists of two key components: real-time Translation Memory (TM) and real-time terminology GeoWorkz asserts that it surpasses traditional systems by enabling all team members involved in a project to access a vast amount of data instantly This allows them to respond to the contributions of their colleagues and supervisors effectively, enhancing the overall quality of the final product With all team members having the latest TMs and terminology readily available, the need for constant data sharing and email exchanges is significantly reduced.

Live Asset's security is enhanced by the patented technology known as Asset Aliasing, which empowers subscribers to address potential security concerns in their work environments and for individual users This innovative feature ensures robust security and privacy measures for both issuers and recipients, allowing service providers to maintain customer and supply chain anonymity while enabling enterprises to uphold their intellectual property rights (GeoWorkz).

Effective Language Management relies heavily on quality assurance and review processes Translation Workspace offers essential tools that address common localization errors, such as formatting issues, segment length discrepancies, punctuation mistakes, missing translations, and number conventions Key stakeholders in the review process benefit from an intuitive web interface that provides side-by-side views, change tracking, and commenting capabilities These online-based features are designed to enhance collaboration among users, ensuring a smoother localization production cycle.

As to the asset exchange, Translation Workspace supports two industry standards: TMX and TBX.

Reporting/Analytics

The Translation Workspace subscription model, which is based on monthly word translations, offers essential Reporting and Analytics features that allow subscribers to monitor their word usage This real-time data access enables subscribers to assess their subscription capacity, plan for significant projects, and allocate resources effectively across different languages.

The Reporting/Analytics layer empowers subscribers to assess productivity and costs effectively Through TM contribution tracking, users can analyze productivity metrics by supplier, language, or asset, while ensuring the privacy of vendor subcontractors with anonymized data for aliased assets Additionally, by integrating this information with external pricing data, subscribers gain valuable insights into their costs, allowing them to adjust their pricing strategies accordingly.

The platform's scalability is highlighted by its Reporting and Analytics features, allowing subscribers to assess whether their subscriptions meet their needs and make necessary adjustments This pay-as-you-go model enables users to upgrade their subscriptions for increased word capacity during high demand and downgrade when demand decreases, offering flexibility that traditional licensing policies lack.

Infrastructure Management

At the Infrastructure Management level, subscribers can discover key differences between Translation Workspace and traditional platforms GeoWorkz emphasizes these distinctions to advocate for the benefits of transitioning to a cloud-based platform, highlighting advantages such as application hosting, zero IT investment, and guaranteed uptime and performance.

When a subscription is purchased, the primary cost is based on the volume of translated words per month, which helps save money and time This approach minimizes the need for specialized infrastructure, such as servers and software, as well as the staff required to manage it Ultimately, this leads to a higher return on investment (ROI) and a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

GeoWorkz emphasizes that its solution enhances productivity by efficiently supporting a large user base and numerous operations, similar to its competitors Users connect remotely to Lionbridge servers, which allows for seamless collaboration Currently, the platform serves around 2,000 translators daily and manages over 2 billion words in language assets It processes 200 million SQL queries each day, boasting an impressive average TM query response time of just 80 milliseconds.

The security of data transmitted to and from Lionbridge servers is paramount, with a significant volume of subscriber information processed daily It is essential to protect this data from both technical failures and unauthorized disclosure The GeoWorkz infrastructure is housed in a top-tier, SAS 70 Type II compliant data center, ensuring robust protection against technical issues Additionally, subscribers are guaranteed complete privacy and separation from one another, effectively preventing any risk of sensitive information being exposed to competitors.

This security measures are accompanied by rigid permission policies employed to administrate user access to translation assets.

Miscellaneous

Translation Workspace not only consists of four principal layers but also offers extensive support for various file formats, languages, and third-party tools It accommodates key Microsoft Office formats such as DOC, DOCX, RTF, PPTX, and XLSX, as well as DTP and XML/DITA formats like INX and MIF Additionally, it supports numerous other formats, including XML, HTML, TTX, XLZ, and XLF The platform caters to a wide range of languages and scripts, from Afrikaans to Zulu, and includes features for migrating projects from Trados TTX and WordServer Desktop.

Clients and Functionalities

Microsoft Word Plug-in

The Microsoft Word Plug-in integrates seamlessly into the Microsoft Word platform, enhancing its capabilities with CAT-tool functions This add-on is ideal for Language Service Providers (LSPs) seeking to leverage Word's features alongside Translation Workspace for efficient file processing By using this plug-in, LSPs can benefit from Word's spell and grammar checks, macros, and other specialized tools, maximizing their existing investments in the platform Supported file formats include DOC, RTF, and TTX.

After installing the plug-in, the Translation Workspace option becomes available in Microsoft Word menus and toolbars for versions 2003 and lower, and in ribbons for 2007 and higher To access all cloud-based functionalities, users must log in with their subscription credentials; otherwise, they can edit documents offline but cannot create new segments or retrieve matches from translation memories (TMs) and glossaries While offline editing allows users to modify segments like a regular Word document, these changes are not saved to the server, resulting in outdated translations for others Connecting to the server enables immediate updates to the TM, ensuring that any mistakes are recorded Additionally, users must manually close a segment before navigating to and opening another segment located elsewhere in the document.

In Word 2003 and earlier versions, users can access the Translation Workspace functionalities through the Menu, Toolbar, or predefined keyboard shortcuts The Translation Workspace Menu includes seven expandable submenus and five additional options, with the first three directly related to the translation process, allowing users to manage segments, terminology, and tags Key features include opening segments, translating matches, saving or deleting translations, and inserting terminology and tags The remaining submenus support tasks such as document analysis, pre-translation of matches, quality assurance, and document-format conversion, applicable to both current and batch processing of documents Additionally, users can lock or unlock segments, preview documents, and manage translation memories (TMs) While the Toolbar offers quicker access with fewer features and is not customizable, it includes essential icons for segment management and other tasks Keyboard shortcuts, displayed next to commands, enhance efficiency, with all shortcuts initiated by the Alt or Ctrl keys.

In Word 2007 and higher, the Translation Workspace Microsoft Word Plug-in functionalities do not significantly differ from in Word

The 2007 version of the software features a redesigned layout that replaces traditional menus and toolbars with a ribbon interface, resulting in the relocation of plug-in options and icons to the Translation Workspace Ribbon.

The Translation Workspace Microsoft Word plug-in offers essential functionalities such as concordance and terminology search, as well as a chat feature for user collaboration These features open in separate pop-up windows for ease of use, allowing users to customize their display preferences based on their screen setup While larger screens can accommodate multiple windows comfortably, smaller monitors may require users to switch between them frequently Users can quickly search for terms in a translation memory (TM) or glossary by highlighting text and using a simple keyboard shortcut, bypassing the need for tedious copy-paste actions Additionally, the plug-in suggests relevant glossary entries as soon as a segment containing matching words is opened The integrated chat tool enhances teamwork by facilitating instant messaging among users within the same subscription, enabling effective communication and collaboration on related tasks.

Fig 1 Translation Workspace MS Word 2007 Plug-in Interface

Introduction to the Translation Workspace (GeoWorkz, 2012) 6.

XLIFF Editor

The XLIFF Editor is a stand-alone tool that, as the name implies, focuses on working with XLIFF content According to GeoWorkz:

Workspace for XLIFF offers a customizable split-screen editing interface, integrated quality assurance features, and numerous pre- and post-processing options Its user-friendly Markup Language Assistant enables interactive visual filter definitions and supports advanced XPath expression creation.

The XLIFF Editor offers advanced tagging features, including tag protection and view options, unlike the Microsoft Word Plug-in Upon installation, it opens in a separate window, and users can access Translation Workspace functionalities only after logging in to the server Similar to the Word Plug-in, users have the option to edit documents offline, with implications outlined in previous sections The XLIFF Editor allows for segment navigation through Open Next Segment commands or a simple click on a segment, though a pop-up message prompts users to confirm changes to the translation memory (TM) after the first click This pop-up can be disabled in settings or configured to remember user preferences While this feature enhances the Find and Replace operation compared to the Word Plug-in, it can also be frustrating if users accidentally click on a segment, as it may trigger immediate changes based on their settings.

The Translation Workspace XLIFF Editor features a user-friendly layout that includes comprehensive menus, toolbars, and a tabbed interface for managing open documents, all within a dedicated translation workspace Its stand-alone design offers a more extensive range of options compared to the Word Plug-in Menu, enhancing the translation experience.

The basic commands for file management include options to open, save, and close files, as well as perform essential editing functions like cut, copy, paste, and find and replace Users can also insert various characters, toggle between different views, and apply filters, which are particularly beneficial for managing large files For instance, filtering out 100% matches helps users avoid unintentional modifications to specific segments of a document.

The menus offer features related to the translation process, similar to those found in the Word Plug-in These options allow users to open and save segments, as well as translate the next non-100% match.

The third group of menus focuses on tag management, specialized tools, Translation Workspace server connection, and help resources The XLIFF Editor allows users to insert tags by ID, combine consecutive tags, and create custom tags, offering three display modes: minimal, full, and full with ID These modes enable users to decide how much tag information to view, balancing clarity and relevance in the translation process However, a limitation exists when tags appear at the end of a segment, as they cannot be fully selected and copied Users can utilize specialized tools such as a statistics tool for word counts and translation ratios, a spellchecker, a quality assurance tool, format converters, and a batch find-and-replace feature The XLIFF Editor also allows for quick text lookups online, though this is limited to English-German dictionaries Additionally, the menu includes settings for the Translation Workspace server connection, facilitating concordance searches, chat, and batch processing Finally, users can access help topics, tips, and information about updates through the menu.

The XLIFF Editor features two toolbars located beneath the menus, displaying commonly used commands as icons However, these toolbars are not customizable, limiting users to the default design without the option to modify icon visibility or toolbar placement The upper toolbar includes icons for document management functions such as saving, opening, copying, pasting, undoing, redoing, spellchecking, and server connections In contrast, the lower toolbar provides tools for applying filters, managing segments, searching translation memories and glossaries, and handling tags.

Users can easily navigate between open documents using a tab bar located between the toolbars and the workspace This feature allows for seamless switching between documents without the need to open multiple windows Each tab showcases the workspace containing the document text, facilitating the translation process efficiently.

Users can enhance their experience with the XLIFF Editor by utilizing the File Set Browser, located at the bottom of the interface This feature is especially beneficial for translation jobs involving a large number of files grouped in a file set, identifiable by the XFS extension By opening a file set, users can conveniently browse, open, and sort files directly within the XLIFF Editor, eliminating the need to navigate through the folder containing the translation job files.

The Word Plug-in and XLIFF Editor share similar core functionalities regarding concordance, terminology searches, and chat features However, a key distinction lies in the user interface; while concordance and chat are displayed in separate windows, the terminology feature can be docked within the main XLIFF Editor, appearing in a dedicated frame on the right side of the window.

Fig 2 Translation Workspace XLIFF Editor Interface Introduction to the Translation Workspace (GeoWorkz, 2012) 7.

Online Review Client

The third Translation Workspace client is a web-based tool designed for the review process, offering a user-friendly interface that displays source and target segments side by side According to GeoWorkz, this Online Review Client features segment-level versioning history, enabling users to add comments, make direct changes to translations, and rate the quality of translations effectively.

Summary

Translation Workspace, launched by Lionbridge in 2010 and managed by GeoWorkz, is a comprehensive translation and localization solution that operates on a subscription model Customers can select their desired number of translated words per month and user accounts tailored to their requirements GeoWorkz enhances the user experience by offering extensive support, training services, and access to the GeoWorkz Directory and Marketplace The platform's features facilitate project and language management through proprietary technologies such as Live Asset and Asset Aliasing Users can engage in the translation process via two interfaces: the Microsoft Word Plug-in, an add-on for Microsoft Word, and the XLIFF Editor, a standalone tool, each providing unique functionalities.

Translation Workspace Pros and Cons

Large localization company background A must for Lionbridge translators

An extensive variety of subscriptions

Floating-license system Slow segment navigation

Upgrades included in the subscription price

Scalable TM and TB searches open in separate windows GeoWorkz Directory, GeoWorkz

XLIFF Editor: Mistaken clicking can open a new segment Asset Aliasing

XLIFF Editor: Impossibility to copy and paste the last tag in the segment Choice between two interfaces Limited Internet-search possibilities

A variety of translation-process commands XLIFF Editor: Multiple-file management

Source: Compiled by the author of the thesis.

Wordfast Anywhere is a free, web-based translation solution offered by Wordfast LLC, accessible at www.freetm.com Leveraging the extensive experience of Wordfast's CAT tools, it integrates numerous features into a single cloud interface Users can create, maintain, and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries, while also utilizing an online aligner and machine translation capabilities.

Historical Overview

Wordfast was conceived in 1999 by Yves Champollion, a seasoned translator and project manager, who aimed to create an affordable, user-friendly CAT tool that allowed translators to concentrate on their work without needing extensive technical skills This vision resulted in Wordfast, a lightweight add-on for Microsoft Word However, a significant project in 2000, involving 20 translators collaborating on a single TM for nine months, prompted a complete overhaul of the tool Initially distributed for free, Wordfast transitioned to a licensed model with the launch of Wordfast 4 in 2002.

In 2009, Wordfast expanded its offerings with the launch of Wordfast Pro, a standalone tool that enhanced file format and batch processing capabilities The following year, Wordfast LLC introduced Wordfast Anywhere after a successful beta testing phase With each new version, the features and functionalities of Wordfast Anywhere grew significantly, attracting an increasing number of registered users By June 2010, just two months post-launch, the platform boasted 5,000 registered users, a figure that more than doubled by the end of that month, highlighting its rapid popularity and user adoption.

Wordfast LLC

Merchandize

Wordfast Anywhere is a completely free translation tool without hidden fees or advertisements, although Wordfast LLC acknowledges that paid subscription options for extended features may be available in the future However, the Terms of Use indicate that there are specific restrictions and limitations to the free service.

First, only 10 documents can reside on Wordfast servers simultaneously Therefore, on the one hand, users can process endless number of documents using Wordfast Anywhere On the other

According to the official Wordfast LLC website, as of October 21, 2012, users who have uploaded 10 documents to the Wordfast servers must complete and delete at least one document before they can upload additional files.

Users are permitted to collect a maximum of 1 million Translation Units (TUs) per account, as stated by Wordfast, which notes that it typically takes a full-time translator around 20 years to accumulate this amount However, if users reach this limit, they can easily resolve the issue by creating a new account.

The maximum size of a single translation memory (TM) is capped at 100,000 translation units, which can be limiting for users managing extensive TMs However, this restriction can be overcome by dividing the TM into smaller segments and uploading them individually, although this method may require considerable effort.

Fourth, similar regulation applies to glossaries; the total number of terminology entries cannot exceed 100,000 per account If the limit is reached, the only solution is to delete unnecessary glossaries.

One of the major limitations when uploading documents is the strict size constraint, which is capped at 2 MB or 5,000 segments While the platform allows ZIP file uploads and suggests removing large graphics to ease the process, users often face significant challenges in splitting or compressing complex files to meet these restrictions This can make it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for users to upload their documents successfully.

Wordfast LLC offers three translation tools: Wordfast Anywhere, Wordfast Classic, and Wordfast Professional Wordfast Classic integrates with Microsoft Word, while Wordfast Professional functions as a standalone CAT tool, both available for 350 EUR each or 500 EUR when purchased together Additionally, users from developing economies, including the Czech Republic, can benefit from a 50 percent discount on the total price.

Support

Gratuitous support options for users include comprehensive online help pages, a knowledge base, and support forums The online help pages function like a Wordfast encyclopedia built on a Wikipedia platform, offering a variety of articles such as the Wordfast Anywhere user guide and Terms of Use Similarly, the knowledge base features articles on various topics related to the tool Additionally, support forums serve as a self-support hub where users can seek assistance in multiple languages, including Czech Hosted on Yahoo servers, these forums allow users to submit queries, seek advice, and assist fellow users.

Though user solidarity often turns helpful when tackling (not only)

3 The price was taken at the official Wordfast LLC site (available at http://www.wordfast.net/index.php?whichpage=buy&lang=engb) As of 21/10/2012.

Wordfast problems, these forums are not as effective as direct support services.

Purchasing a Wordfast Classic or Pro license grants users access to Wordfast's support services, available through the Hotline section on the Wordfast website This support, offered exclusively via web and email, is complimentary for the first year with every new license After the initial year, users must purchase a renewal for continued support services.

Training

Wordfast LLC provides a comprehensive training program that includes both official training led by Wordfast staff and a community-based registered training program Both options are featured on the Wordfast website, allowing participants to easily sign up for sessions tailored to their needs Training sessions are categorized by location, date, fee, and content, covering a range from basic to advanced levels Additionally, some sessions are available online, making them accessible to a global audience.

Each session description indicates whether it is an official Wordfast event or one led by a registered trainer The key distinction is that official events have their quality assured by Wordfast LLC, while independent trainers operate without Wordfast's responsibility or compensation However, Wordfast does influence training quality, as trainers must demonstrate their skills during the licensing process and gather positive feedback from participants; failure to do so may lead to the revocation of their license.

Wordfast LLC provides a comprehensive Video Learning Center featuring a wide array of training videos and presentations Users can learn at their own pace by easily accessing these materials, which include clear, step-by-step guides The content covers a range of topics, from basic installation and configuration of Wordfast to advanced techniques like efficient TM management, batch processing, and working with placeables.

Wordfast Server, VLTM and +Tools

Wordfast LLC does not focus only on CAT-tool development; it also offers solutions that enhance the translation experience These solutions include: Wordfast Server, VLTM and +Tools.

Wordfast Server is a secure translation memory (TM) server application designed for seamless integration with Wordfast Pro, Wordfast Classic, and Wordfast Anywhere This innovative solution facilitates real-time collaboration among translators located around the world, allowing them to work together efficiently on developing shared translation memories (TMs).

Wordfast Server facilitates the creation and sharing of translation memories (TMs) among users working on joint projects, allowing them to connect to server-based TMs for access to the latest translated assets This collaborative approach enables team members to review and contribute their translations, making it beneficial for both short-term and long-term projects By minimizing data exchange among team members, Wordfast Server enhances productivity, reduces costs, and ensures consistency in translations Additionally, Wordfast LLC emphasizes the solution's robust security features with comprehensive permission management and claims it offers the fastest search results in the industry Wordfast Server is available as a bundle with Wordfast Classic or Pro, providing a comprehensive translation solution.

The Very Large Translation Memory (VLTM) project, developed by Wordfast LLC, offers millions of translation segments to its users while prioritizing confidentiality and goodwill Users can enhance their local translation memories (TMs) with the public portion of the VLTM, gaining access to a vast array of shared assets, although 100% matches are rare The VLTM is likened to "Wikipedia with the speed of Google," providing valuable reference searches for translations of specific phrases In contrast, the private section allows workgroups to create and share their own TMs securely, with both read and write permissions, using a common workgroup ID to maintain privacy However, assets in the public VLTM can only be stored for a maximum of 24 months Access to the VLTM is included with the purchase of a Wordfast Classic or Pro license.

+Tools is a free Microsoft Word add-on designed to enhance the translation process with functionalities typically found in larger software It offers four key features: batch processing, text alignment, terminology extraction, and macro execution Users can efficiently manage multiple files simultaneously, performing tasks such as text replacement, statistics counting, file conversions, and content comparisons The +Align feature allows for the alignment of source and target texts, enabling users to view and edit corresponding segments side by side, ultimately creating a unified aligned file for translation memory or other uses The +Extract function simplifies terminology extraction by identifying potential terms based on customizable criteria, such as minimum word length and exclusion lists Additionally, +Tools supports the execution of both user-defined and predefined macros for tasks related to document saving and HTML tagging While it may lack some advanced features of paid alternatives, +Tools presents a valuable option for translators seeking efficient tools at no cost.

Features

Language Management

Wordfast Anywhere allows users to create, manage, export, and import translation memories (TMs) and term bases (TBs) without the need for local storage, as these databases can be hosted on Wordfast servers However, since each Wordfast Anywhere account is limited to a single user, collaborative teams must seek alternative solutions Wordfast LLC provides a VLTM project option that enables multiple users to share assets through a unique ID, though this solution is constrained by a 24-month data retention limit.

Significantly, Wordfast Anywhere supports TM and TB exchange; users can import and export TMs in the TMX and TXT formats, and TBs in the tabulated TXT format.

Optical Character Recognition

Wordfast Anywhere includes a built-in OCR solution that seamlessly integrates with its interface To initiate the recognition process, users must first upload a PDF file; however, this feature has a limitation, as the uploaded file size cannot exceed 2 MB.

When dealing with a standard 10-page PDF document that includes graphics, users may need to utilize a PDF-splitting program due to size limitations Additionally, the effectiveness of character recognition poses another challenge, as OCR technology is not infallible and often necessitates extensive editing of the converted document Wordfast lecturer Milan Čondák has compared the OCR capabilities of Wordfast with those of standalone solutions, highlighting these limitations.

In a comparison of OCR tools, FineReader 10 consistently outperformed competitors, particularly with challenging scans My research corroborated these findings, favoring the stand-alone tool However, Wordfast Anywhere's OCR feature stands out due to its free availability, making it an attractive option for freelancers who prefer to invest in post-OCR editing rather than pay for a 125-EUR FineReader license.

Portable-Device Support

In 2010, Wordfast made history by introducing Wordfast Anywhere, the first CAT tool to support Apple’s iPhone and iPad, along with other portable devices This innovation allowed users to overcome the traditional limitations of CAT tools being confined to PC platforms Now, mobile device users running iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, and Palm OS can access CAT tool features that were previously exclusive to Windows and Mac OS While mobile devices do present certain space and functional limitations, they offer valuable accessibility, especially in emergency situations.

4 I scanned 10 one-page documents of various kinds, did the OCR in Wordfast and FineReader, and counted the number of unsuccessfully recognized characters.

As of October 21, 2012, the pricing for ABBYY FineReader can be found on the official website at http://www.abbyy.cz/buy/finereader_pe/ Utilizing a mobile device can significantly assist translators in efficiently completing their tasks and meeting deadlines.

Apple users enjoy a significant advantage with the iTunes Store offering the Wordfast Anywhere Image Translator application, a free tool that provides machine translation, OCR technology, and direct access to Wordfast Anywhere on iPhones In contrast, users with other operating systems can only access basic translation applications through mobile Internet browsers My experience using the Samsung SGH-i900 with Windows Mobile 6 and Wi-Fi was disappointing due to the tool's slowness and limited functionality However, the Plain Text mode feature does allow for better adaptation to mobile device constraints.

Online Alignment Tool

The Online Alignment Tool, accessible via the Wordfast Anywhere menu, allows users to easily align documents through a web-based interface, supporting up to three source and three target files in various languages After uploading the files, the alignment engine automatically identifies the languages and aligns the documents, delivering results in TMX, TXT, and XLS formats to the specified email address However, since the alignment process is fully automated with no user intervention, the results may lack precision, making it more effective to use the +Tools suite for alignment tasks as discussed in section 5.2.4.

Supported Formats and Languages

Wordfast LLC allows users to upload documents in multiple formats, including TXT, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, HTML, TXML, MIF, INX, and PDF Additionally, ZIP files can be uploaded when needed.

On the language level, Wordfast Anywhere supports hundreds of languages and scripts.

Machine Translation

Wordfast Anywhere offers a notable feature that activates automatic machine translation when no matches are found in the Translation Memory (TM) This functionality provides users with suggestions from four machine translation services: Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, WorldLingo, and iTranslate4, which can be revised and integrated into the translations Users can also choose their preferred service and exclude tags from the search to avoid distorted results While machine translation is often criticized for its quality, it can serve as a valuable tool in time-sensitive situations where meeting deadlines takes precedence over perfect accuracy.

In my research, I encountered challenges while using machine translation (MT) for processing short documents, finding it more of an obstacle than a helpful tool Specifically, I observed that as segment lengths increased, the quality of the suggested translations diminished significantly This led me to conclude that translation quality is often compromised, as machine-generated translations can mislead users into adopting undesirable stereotypes However, it's important to note that what may not work for one translator could be beneficial for another, so I do not dismiss the potential usefulness of this feature for some individuals.

In any case, Thomas Beavitt warns that:

When utilizing the MT service, the source segments for translation are sent to Google, Microsoft, and other companies The decision to accept these translations is yours, and these companies remain unaware of your choice However, it's important to consider that transmitting these segments to Google and Microsoft could potentially create privacy concerns between you and your customers.

The importance of this message is stressed by the fact that a similar one is shown in the Wordfast Anywhere interface when turning on the

MT option Hence, users should proceed with utmost care when committing segments to MT as success to do so may lead to non- disclosure-agreement violations.

Functionalities

Menu

The Menu consists of five menus: File, Edit, Display, Tools and

The File menu in Wordfast Anywhere offers essential options for configuration, file management, and backup Users can customize a wide range of settings, including translation memories (TMs), glossaries, segmentation rules, and shortcuts, enhancing their overall translation experience.

The TM and glossary configuration options allow users to create, delete, upload, download, share, and merge translation memories (TMs) and glossaries Users can enhance TM results by enabling and configuring VLTM and MT capabilities Advanced users have the option to adjust TM rules, such as modifying the fuzzy-match threshold, setting penalties for case, tags, alignment, MT, and multiple translations, and ensuring TM compatibility by selecting the appropriate CAT tool used for creating imported TMs, including Wordfast, Trados, SDLX, or Idiom.

Second, users can customize the segmentation rules, specifying the ESM characters as well as the SRX files and the list of abbreviations that will not influence the segmentation.

Third, users can view the list of shortcuts and change the keys assigned to them.

The settings offer various customization options, including text font and size, source copying when no match is found, profile settings, and the unique Pandora’s Box feature Pandora’s Box includes a set of lesser-used commands that can be beneficial in specific scenarios Key features include special character insertion buttons on the segment toolbar, a proofreading penalty to differentiate between translated (marked in yellow) and reviewed segments (marked in green), a web search function that allows users to configure up to two web pages for quick searches by using the marker {SearchedWord}, and an Autocompletion function that suggests terms based on glossary entries as users begin typing.

Users can efficiently manage and back up their files by uploading translatable formats, inserting text for translation from the clipboard, and utilizing the search and replace function Additionally, they can track statistics, download completed files, delete or revoke them, switch between files, and back them up to a hard disk, email, or URL.

The Edit menu offers essential commands for the translation process, allowing users to navigate through segments, close and save them, and copy text, similar to functionalities found in other CAT tools.

To utilize Google Advanced Search effectively, you can use the following link format: “http://www.google.cz/search?hl=cs&as_q={SearchedWord}&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=”.

To optimize your content, ensure that you source and insert relevant placeables and TM entries, while removing unnecessary translations Additionally, mark segments as provisional to emphasize their status This approach will enhance clarity and improve SEO effectiveness.

The Display menu offers various options for navigating between segments, managing the visibility of interface components, and changing display modes Users can quickly move to the first or last segment, or navigate to the previous or next screen Additionally, this menu allows for the showing or hiding of the Translation Memory (TM) area, the Glossary area, and the segment toolbar It also provides options to switch display modes, enabling users to view full text with Wordfast internal tagging, full text without tagging, or only the translated segments.

The Tools menu provides access to various functions, including online alignment, translation to the next non-100% match, segment expansion and shrinking, as well as concordance and glossary searches, along with tool setup Detailed descriptions of these options are provided above, except for the Wordfast Anywhere concordance and glossary searches, which will be discussed later in this subchapter.

The Help menu provides links to the Wordfast Wiki and support forums, bug reporting as well as information about the tool version.

Toolbar

The Toolbar, positioned to the left of the Menu, consists of a set of buttons that offer frequently used commands These commands enable users to access essential functionalities such as opening, saving, closing, expanding, and collapsing segments, as well as performing tasks like placing insertions, conducting concordance and glossary searches, and previewing and setting up documents.

Translation Memory Area

The Translation Memory Area, positioned beneath the Menu, offers a summary of TM matches for opened segments, displaying details such as creation date and source Matches are highlighted with varying percentage values and colors to indicate their accuracy, distinguishing between 100% matches and others Additionally, when VLTM and MT options are activated, translations from these sources are flagged with warnings, indicating that they may need revision.

If TMs provide more than one match, users can switch between them and choose the one to insert.

Glossary Area

The Glossary section, positioned on the right side of the interface, displays terminology derived from the source text when a segment is opened Users can easily browse, edit, and insert terms as needed When no segment is opened, this area only provides the total count of glossary entries available.

Document Area

The Document area, located in the lower left corner of the interface, is the largest frame by default and serves as the primary space for the translation process It displays both the source and target text fields along with a segment toolbar that facilitates segment management, including opening, storing, and closing segments Additionally, the toolbar offers options for inserting placeables, accessing translation memory (TM) results, and using special characters, as detailed in the Menu section.

Status Bar

The Status Bar, positioned at the bottom of the interface, displays crucial information including the count and percentage of translated words and segments, the active language pair, the selected view mode (bilingual, source-only, or target-only), and the status of TM sharing.

Outline Section

Clicking the yellow two-arrow icon on the left side of the interface expands the Outline Section, allowing users to easily view the status of all segments and navigate between them seamlessly.

Concordance and Glossary Search Windows

In addition to the aforesaid functionalities, Wordfast Anywhere also provides concordance and glossary search tools, which open in separate Internet browser windows after using the relevant commands.

The concordance window allows users to enter search text and view results, while advanced users can refine their queries using Boolean operators In contrast, the glossary window resembles the concordance window but does not support Boolean operators for query refinement.

Spellchecking

Wordfast Anywhere does not have an internal spellchecker Therefore, users have to obtain this functionality externally, installing a spellchecking plug-in into their browser interface.

Fig 3 Wordfast Anywhere Interface Thomas Beavitt Wordfast

Anywhere® User Manual (Wordfast LLC, 2011) 10.

Summary

Wordfast Anywhere, launched in 2010 by Wordfast LLC, is a free web-based translation platform that offers limited support and video training options, with paid upgrades available It stands out among competitors by providing free OCR, multi-platform support, and online alignment features The translation interface includes essential CAT functionalities like translation memory (TM) and glossary management, although its web-based nature limits the availability of advanced features such as spellchecking.

Wordfast Anywhere Pros and Cons

Severe restrictions concerning the number and size of documents, and

No need to install anything No PM interface

OCR capabilities VLTM private assets are stored only

Portable-Device Support Only browser spellchecker

Pandora’s Box TM and TB searches open in separate windows Segment Toolbar

Source: Compiled by the author of the thesis.

MemSource, a cloud-based translation solution from MemSource Technologies, originated from a research project at Charles University It offers comprehensive project management, translation, and translation memory (TM) server capabilities The translation management is facilitated through the web-based interface known as MemSource Cloud, which allows users to create, manage, and allocate translation projects efficiently For the translation process itself, users can download the MemSource Editor, a free installable workbench that streamlines their workflow.

Historical Overview

MemSource's origins trace back to 2006 with the launch of the Universal Translation Memory Access (UTMA) project by Charles University This initiative aimed to assist software developers in utilizing translation memories for text and error messages in source code, ultimately reducing translation costs Over its three-year duration, the project thrived through a strong partnership between the University and Sun Microsystems.

David Čaněk utilized his project experience to develop a new cloud-based CAT tool, resulting in the launch of MemSource.

In the summer of 2011, after completing beta testing, the platform welcomed its first paying subscribers By spring 2012, it celebrated reaching its 1,000th customer, followed by the milestone of 2,000 customers in August 2012, as reported by MemSource Technologies.

MemSource Technologies

Merchandize

MemSource Technologies provides five pricing plans that vary according to features and user accounts Each plan builds upon the previous one, meaning that the higher-tier plans include all the features of the lower-tier options For instance, the second plan encompasses all the functionalities of the first, while the third plan includes those of the second, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade with each level.

The Personal plan is ideal for occasional translators who require basic MemSource functionalities Users can access MemSource Cloud to create projects, translation memories (TMs), and term bases (TBs), and utilize the MemSource Editor for file translation, connecting to TMs and TBs stored in the cloud However, this plan has limitations, allowing users to upload only two files with a maximum size of 10 MB Despite these restrictions, the plan is available free of charge.

The second plan, known as +1 Freelancers, is designed for freelance translators who value essential collaboration features without incurring costs for advanced project management This plan includes all functionalities of the first plan while removing restrictions on the number and size of uploaded files, allowing for unlimited file processing It serves as a comprehensive translation solution, enabling team collaboration by adding more users under the same subscription These users can share projects, translation memories (TMs), terminology bases (TBs), and other assets Additionally, the plan supports file splitting for efficient task distribution among team members, priced at 20 EUR per freelancer per month.

The third plan (Team Start) is intended for translation agencies that maintain project management on a basic level.

7 The information was taken at the official MemSource Technologies site

(available at http://www.memsource.com/pricing/) As of 21/10/2012.

MemSource Technologies offers a subscription that features a fully server-based translation environment, along with 10 complimentary linguist accounts for each project manager account This plan enables project managers to access a detailed real-time overview of project progress, all for a cost of 100 EUR per project manager per month.

The fourth plan, known as the Team plan, is the most comprehensive option available, designed specifically for translation agencies seeking an extensive suite of project management and translation tools This plan allows agencies to effectively manage every stage of the translation process, including translation, editing, and proofreading It includes 10 complimentary linguist accounts and offers 2 free guest accounts for project managers, facilitating customer involvement in the workflow Priced at 130 EUR per project manager per month, with a minimum requirement of three project manager accounts, the starting cost for this plan is 390 EUR per month.

The fifth plan, known as the Academic plan, is specifically designed for non-commercial use and is available at no cost to academic institutions that have translation programs, according to MemSource Technologies.

Support

The support options available are scaled, based on the subscription level.

All users, regardless of their plan, receive complimentary access to MemSource Community Support, which features searchable web pages This resource allows users to learn from the questions posed by others and submit their own inquiries, with responses provided by the community.

“MemSource support professionals or other MemSource users” (MemSource Technologies).

Paid subscriptions include email support, allowing users to contact MemSource support staff directly MemSource Technologies commits to responding to emails by the next business day, except for those marked as urgent.

“urgent”, which would be answered as soon as possible The company also “reserves the right to publish your questions (anonymized) at its community support portal”.

Last but not least, Team and Team Start plans enhance the user support experience by custom-made support services tailored for each subscriber.

Training

The MemSource training predominantly takes the form of video guides and webinars.

MemSource Technologies offers a dedicated YouTube channel featuring a wide array of training videos in multiple languages These informative videos cover essential MemSource features and operational principles, equipping users with the knowledge to effectively navigate the platform.

MemSource offers webinars designed to meet the demand for real-time professional training, covering diverse topics related to project management and translation Announced on the MemSource blog, these valuable resources are available at no cost to users with paid subscriptions.

MemSource Server

MemSource Server offers customers the option to deploy their own translation solution, providing similar features and functionalities as MemSource Cloud While this allows for independence from MemSource servers, it also requires customers to manage and maintain their own in-house servers, resulting in additional expenses associated with server deployment.

Features

Project Management

MemSource Cloud provides a web-based project management interface that enables users to accomplish a large number of tasks.

Users can efficiently create and manage translation projects, translation memories (TMs), and term bases (TBs) by setting a project name, source language, and target languages The platform allows for extensive customization of settings related to machine translation (MT), quality assurance (QA), tags, and security After project creation, users can easily add, analyze, download, delete, and manage translatable files through a user-friendly interface.

Language Management

The MemSource Cloud interface also serves the purpose of a TM and

The TB management platform enables users to create, import, and edit terminology assets, which can then be allocated to specific projects Users have the option to initiate a project with a blank translation memory (TM) or import existing TMs in TMX format Once a TM is assigned to a project, project managers (PMs) can define read and write permissions for the TM Similarly, terminology bases (TBs) can be managed in a comparable manner, with import formats available in TBX and CSV.

The MemSource Cloud platform, similar to other CAT tools, fosters collaboration among multiple translators by allowing them to work together in real time Through the MemSource Editor, translators can simultaneously access and enhance shared translation memories (TMs), significantly improving terminology accuracy and ensuring 100% match consistency across the entire project.

Infrastructure Management

MemSource offers a lightweight, cloud-based translation platform ideal for companies seeking simple solutions without complex infrastructure Users only need a PC with an internet browser, an active internet connection, and 25 MB of hard disk space to install the MemSource Editor While MemSource Technologies prioritizes platform availability and productivity, they do not guarantee an error-free experience Notably, the platform features automatic upgrades, ensuring a seamless user experience without requiring manual intervention.

MemSource Technologies emphasizes the importance of user content privacy, ensuring that all data transmitted through its platform is secure and remains the property of its customers The company guarantees that unauthorized parties cannot access this information and commits to using user content solely to inform and provide MC services, as well as for statistical reporting purposes.

Scalability

MemSource Technologies highlights subscription scalability as a key advantage of their platform, allowing customers to easily upgrade or downgrade their subscriptions This flexibility ensures that users only pay for the specific features and functionalities they require, aligning costs with their individual needs.

Supported Formats and Languages

MemSource Cloud supports a comprehensive set of translatable file formats, including DOC, DOCX, RTF, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX, TTX, DITA, HTML and SDLXLIFF.

The platform supports over 200 languages and language variations.

Machine Translation

The MemSource MT feature is almost similar to its Wordfast Anywhere counterpart The only exception concerns that fact that it supports only two services: Google Translate and Microsoft Translator.

As in the case of Wordfast Anywhere MT feature, I tried my hand at the MemSource MT feature with more or less similar results.

Functionalities

Menu

The Menu provides six menus: File, Edit, Tools, Format, Document and Help.

The File menu allows users to manage files by opening, saving, and closing them, while also providing access to preferences for customization Users can adjust settings such as TM match rate, pre-translation options (including machine translation), font size, and network configurations Additionally, the connection settings enable users to input subscription credentials, granting access to cloud-based translation memories (TMs) and term bases (TBs).

The Edit menu offers essential commands for the translation process, enabling users to confirm segments, insert tags, and manage CAT results by linking source to target It also allows for deleting translations and manipulating segments through joining and splitting However, it is missing some advanced features, such as translating to the next non-100% match and moving to the next segment without saving the previous one, although these actions can be performed using the Enter, Down, and Up keys.

The Tools menu contains options linked to the find and replace function, TB term addition, TM/TB search and spellchecking.

Users have the option to select between standard and wildcard TM/TB searches, but they cannot conduct searches exclusively in TMs or TBs, as the system automatically searches both This feature has raised concerns, as it may not always enhance the user experience.

The Format menu offers various text rendering options, including bold, italics, and underlining, as well as the ability to display spaces with dots and insert quotation marks This last feature includes seven suboptions for selecting different formatting styles for quotation marks in both the source and target texts.

The Document menu enables users to preview original and translation, upload the (translated) document to server, and export and import documents in DOCX format.

The Help menu provides links to the tool user manual and About pop-up window.

A large proportion of the menu commands have shortcuts assigned, but, unfortunately, they are not customizable.

Toolbar

The Toolbar is located below the Menu and shows icons with often used commands, including segment confirmation, target text deletion and so on.

Translation Area

The Translation area is located beneath the Toolbar on the left side of the interface, featuring a vertical layout that includes segment number, Source Text, Target Text, Segment Status, TM Match Status, and Comment columns The Segment Status column indicates whether a segment is committed, marked by a tick or a cross, while the TM Match Status column displays the match level percentage or an MT sign if machine translation was used Additionally, the Comment column allows users to insert comments It is important to note that the sizes of the columns and rows are fixed and cannot be customized.

Status Bar

The Status Bar, situated at the bottom of the interface, displays crucial information including the counts of translated segments, words, and characters, along with their totals It also indicates the connection status to the server, Translation Memory (TM), Term Base (TB), and Machine Translation (MT).

CAT, Search and QA Pane

The CAT, Search, and QA pane is located next to the Translation area on the right and features three tabs: CAT, Search, and QA These tabs are dedicated to displaying Translation Memory (TM) and Machine Translation (MT) results, enabling users to conduct TM and Term Base (TB) searches, and view Quality Assurance (QA) results Within the CAT tab, users can easily identify TM and MT results, with exact, fuzzy, and MT matches distinctly highlighted by different colors.

In the Search tab, users can easily conduct a TM/TB search by selecting text and using the appropriate menu command or shortcut The results are visually distinguished by different colors for TM and TB Additionally, the QA pane displays quality assurance results based on the preferences set during project creation; however, these settings cannot be modified directly in the MemSource Editor and require logging into the MemSource Cloud interface.

Spellchecking

MemSource Editor includes a basic spellchecker that supports 141 languages, allowing users to easily download dictionaries However, it does not offer the advanced features found in Microsoft Word's spellchecker To utilize MS Word's spellchecking capabilities, users must export their files to DOCX format, perform the spellcheck, save the file, and then import it back into MemSource Editor.

Fig 4 MemSource Editor Interface MemSource Editor (MemSource,

.

Summary

MemSource, developed by MemSource Technologies in 2011, is a subscription-based platform tailored for various types of Language Service Providers (LSPs), with plans scaled according to the services offered Alongside subscription options, MemSource provides a range of support and training resources, as well as the MemSource Server solution The platform features a web-based interface, MemSource Cloud, which includes comprehensive tools for project, translation memory (TM), and term base (TB) management The translation process utilizes the MemSource Editor, a lightweight tool that encompasses essential computer-assisted translation (CAT) functionalities However, its low resource requirements limit some advanced features, such as advanced segment movement commands and the ability to open multiple files simultaneously.

Scalable Lacks more advanced translation- process commands Upgrades and training opportunities included in the subscription price

Free academic license It is not possible to open more files simultaneously in Editor Comprehensive PM interface

TM and TB searches part of the interface Source: Compiled by the author of the thesis.

WebWordSystem is a user-friendly, cloud-based translation solution designed for simplicity and efficiency It allows basic users to perform translation tasks with minimal effort, utilizing a familiar environment through the Microsoft Office Suite via a dedicated plug-in Additionally, subscribers can take advantage of a web-based interface to effectively manage Translation Memories (TMs) and Term Bases (TBs).

Historical Overview

WebWordSystem was founded in 2005 by Erik Rohde and Diane Hanghứj Rohde, who aimed to develop a user-friendly CAT tool They collaborated with an IT company to bring their vision to life, leading to the creation of WebWordSystem, which has since undergone significant redevelopment to enhance its functionality.

“4-button-design” (WebWordSystem), meaning that users need only four buttons to accomplish most of the basic translation tasks In

In 2010, Erik and Diane founded WebWordSystem Company to boost platform sales By 2012, they revamped the platform to improve user-friendliness, ensuring seamless integration with the Microsoft Office suite.

WebWordSystem

Merchandize

WebWordSystem provides a perpetual license platform with five distinct pricing plans tailored to various features and the number of concurrent user accounts Notably, the platform avoids a subscription model, allowing customers to make a one-time payment for their license rather than monthly or yearly fees All pricing plans also include access to cloud-based Translation Memories (TMs) and Term Bases (TBs).

The Freelance and Pro plans are ideal for individual freelancers, each allowing only one user account and lacking collaborative features for teams of translators A key distinction is that Freelance subscribers do not receive platform upgrades, while the two plans also vary in price, with the Freelance plan costing 200 EUR and the Pro plan priced at 600 EUR.

The intermediate Biz plan serves as a bridge between small individual WebWordSystem deployments and large corporate solutions It mirrors the Pro plan but includes two user accounts, facilitating collaboration among a small team of translators However, this increase in user accounts also reflects in the pricing, with the license costing 1,345 EUR.

The two highest plans (Enterprise and Corporate), as their titles suggest, are intended for larger entities with more users

10 The prices were taken at the official WebWordSystem site (available at http://webwordsystem.com/en/prices.aspx) As of 21/10/2012.

The basic plan for the translation process accommodates up to 6 users at a cost of 3,360 EUR, while the advanced plan supports up to 12 users for 5,375 EUR Notably, organizations can expand their user accounts by acquiring additional licenses, with an extra five licenses available for 1,160 EUR.

WebWordSystem has introduced a promotional initiative for language students under 25, allowing them to access the platform's license at no cost, in addition to their existing paid plans.

Support

WebWordSystem provides comprehensive customer support through three channels: an extensive FAQ section, email, and telephone assistance The FAQ section on their website addresses a wide range of topics related to multi-user collaboration, translation memories (TMs), and term bases (TBs), ensuring users have access to valuable information and resources.

If customers are unable to find the answers they need in the FAQ section, they can reach out for support through email or telephone It's important to note that these support services come with a fee, and prices may vary.

134 EUR to 1,035 EUR per annum depending on the subscription plan 15 The prices include not only the support services, but also the regular platform upgrades and new features (when released);

15 See above therefore, purchase of the support services is a must also for those who want keep their platforms up-to-date.

Training

WebWordSystem offers diverse training opportunities, including video tutorials and scheduled courses The video tutorials cater to various user experience levels and are accessible on the WebWordSystem website and YouTube Courses are detailed in a dedicated section of the website, featuring open courses held at the company's Danish headquarters, which focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of the system Additionally, webinars provide online learning options for participants.

“concern one or several specific functions of WebWordSystem”(WebWordSystem) Whereas the former training option is paid, the latter one is offered free of charge.

Features

Project Management

Users can manage project operations through a web interface after logging in with their subscription credentials However, Diane Rohde notes that the interface does not support direct project creation; instead, it relies on unique 10-digit project codes to allocate Translation Memory (TM) and Translation Base (TB) entries to different groups When translating files, users can input these codes into the WebWordSystem workbench (WWS Translation Tool) to assign TM units to specific projects Nonetheless, these functionalities represent only a small portion of the overall project management processes, potentially leaving advanced users' needs unmet by the platform's capabilities.

Language Management

WebWordSystem, like other cloud-based CAT tools, allows users to manage and store translation memory (TM) and terminology base (TB) assets online However, it lacks the capability to maintain multiple assets simultaneously, as all TM and TB units are stored in a single repository While users can categorize these assets by language combinations, subject-specific fields, and project codes, this approach fails to create distinct boundaries between individual TMs and TBs Consequently, as the TM and TB expand or when terminology varies significantly across projects, this limitation can hinder the efficiency of asset searches and the unification of terminology.

Last but not least, WebWordSystem supports TM and TB asset import, the supported formats being: TMX and TBX.

Public Area TM and TB Trade

WebWordSystem offers an innovative language management service that allows users to trade Translation Memory (TM) and Term Base (TB) units The platform features two distinct areas: Private and Public The Private area is accessible only to users within the same subscription, while the Public area is available to all WebWordSystem users This design aims to save translators time by eliminating the need to retranslate existing text, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the translation process.

As to the Public area operation, users can both obtain TM and

In the TB units system, contributions are not made free of charge, creating a dynamic process where users like Mr Smith pay 0.034 EUR per 100% match per word when acquiring units from the Public area, with lower rates for fuzzy matches Simultaneously, Mr Smith earns 0.007 EUR per 100% match per word when others utilize the units he has committed to the Public area This dual incentive motivates users to contribute to the Public TM and TB; however, the significant disparity in earning rates may deter many potential participants from engaging in the system.

16 The prices were taken at the official WebWordSystem site (available at http://webwordsystem.com/en/prices.aspx) As of 21/10/2012.

Despite WebWordSystem's assertion that the content in the public area undergoes quality control, the value of the retrieved words at 0.034 EUR each raises concerns about their actual worth.

Infrastructure Management

WebWordSystem offers efficient Infrastructure Management by providing a cloud-based solution similar to other CAT tools, facilitating seamless Translation Memory (TM) and Term Base (TB) operations This online accessibility eliminates the need for users to set up and manage intricate IT infrastructures.

WebWordSystem functions as a plug-in within the Microsoft Office environment, requiring users to manage both its installation and the associated licensing and maintenance costs of Microsoft Office While the Microsoft Office suite is essential for most Language Service Providers (LSPs) and its license can be obtained through questionable means, this situation limits the benefits of the cloud-based features of the platform.

WebWordSystem prioritizes customer data protection, emphasizing its commitment to security by stating, “WWS shall be responsible for the security of customer information and has a security procedure to protect against abuse or manipulation of information administered by WWS.”

Supported Formats and Languages

WebWordSystem operates within the Microsoft Office environment, ensuring compatibility with various Office formats such as DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX, and RTF, among others.

As to the supported languages, WebWordSystem claims that the platform “is designed to be able to support all languages in the world”.

Functionalities

Toolbar

The Toolbar serves as the primary access point for various WebWordSystem operations, varying in location based on the Office version; it is found among toolbars in Office 2003 and earlier, and within ribbons in Office 2007 and later Regardless of the version, it provides essential commands for connecting to the WebWordSystem server, performing text analysis, facilitating automatic translation for non-100% matches, managing segment opening and closing, conducting concordance and glossary searches, cleaning up documents, and adjusting platform settings.

The platform is designed around a user-friendly 4-button interface, offering both a simplified Toolbar with essential functions—Connect/Disconnect, Open Segment, Next Segment, and Cleanup—and an expanded version for advanced features WebWordSystem emphasizes that even novice users can effectively complete translation tasks using just these four buttons However, I believe this minimalist design is only adequate for basic users and small documents, as a CAT tool lacking Translation Memory (TM) and Term Base (TB) search capabilities is merely an upgraded text editor.

Translation Tool

The WebWordSystem Translation Tool functions as a workbench, similar to Trados 2007, and opens in a separate, adjustable window for an optimal user experience with MS Office applications However, unlike Trados 2007, it lacks a representative icon on the Windows Taskbar and is fixed to remain always on top This design choice can hinder productivity, as it complicates switching between the workbench and other applications, often requiring users to rearrange their windows to avoid having essential content obscured.

As far as the actual translation process is concerned, the operations differ between Word, and Excel and PowerPoint.

In the Word application, the translation process occurs directly within the interface, with the workbench primarily functioning as a tool for managing Translation Memories (TM) Users can view and accept TM matches while setting preferences such as source language (SL), target language (TL), ISIC classification, project code, minimum match value, and the differentiation between private and public area matches.

In Excel and PowerPoint, translating text directly within their interfaces can be inconvenient, which is why the Excel and PowerPoint WebWordSystem Translation Tools are essential These tools not only offer similar functionalities as those found in Word but also provide a dedicated translation interface Their windows feature a TM area along with two additional sections and toolbars: one displays the currently opened segment with the source text (ST) and target text (TT), while the other allows users to enter and modify translations.

The toolbars in the application serve distinct functions; the first toolbar features commands for segment management, including opening, closing, pre-translating, expanding, and shrinking segments, as well as performing concordance and glossary searches, which simplifies finding similar buttons on the WebWordSystem Toolbar in Excel or PowerPoint The second toolbar allows users to modify text formatting, size, and color However, navigating between segments is made cumbersome as users must commit a segment using the Accept button, rather than relying solely on keyboard shortcuts.

Concordance and Glossary Searches

In WebWordSystem, the concordance and glossary searches operate differently, impacting user experience When users select text and initiate a Concordance search, they are redirected to the platform's web interface, requiring them to copy and paste the text back into the translation interface, a process that is cumbersome and time-consuming In contrast, the glossary search is more streamlined, occurring in a separate small window that appears upon clicking the Translate term button after selecting text This window allows users to perform various searches, including exact and fuzzy options, enhancing efficiency.

Spellchecking

Due to the fact that the platform works within the Office suite, users can exploit the Office spellchecking functionality.

Fig 5 WebWordSystem MS Word 2003 Plug-in Interface with the Expanded Toolbar WebWordSystem MS Word 2003 Plug-in Print Screen (Based on the WebWordSystem Trial License) 22 Oct 2012.

Summary

WebWordSystem is a Danish translation solution that combines the cloud-based TM and TB management with the translation interface of the Microsoft Office suite Driven by Erik Rohde and

Diane Hanghứj Rohde offers a range of perpetual licensing plans tailored for various users and organizations The platform is designed for ease of use, featuring a simple 4-button system that caters to basic users It seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing for the translation of documents within these applications The translation process utilizes the WebWordSystem Translation Tool and Toolbar, which includes functions typical of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools However, the platform does have some limitations, particularly in project and language management, which may affect user efficiency.

Free licence for students under-25 Not scalable

Free-of-charge webinars Support and upgrades have to purchased separately Assets centralized into one TM and one TB Dependent solely on MS Office Workbench settings Slow segment navigation

In Excel and PowerPoint, segments have to committed using the Accept button Lacks more advanced translation- process commands Clumsy TM search Source: Compiled by the author of the thesis.

Wordbee Translator is a comprehensive web-based translation solution offered on a subscription basis It integrates project and language management features through two user-friendly interfaces, allowing users to efficiently manage projects, utilize translation memories (TMs) and term bases (TBs), and perform translations The cloud-based platform enables users to access all its functionalities directly through their preferred web browsers, eliminating the need for additional software or installations.

Historical Overview

Founded in 2008, Wordbee is a web-based tool designed to attract users from traditional standalone CAT tools by highlighting its lightweight nature and collaborative features The company's efforts successfully garnered attention from both commercial and governmental sectors, earning the prestigious Golden European Seal of e-Excellence in 2011 Wordbee's growth is particularly evident in the Japanese market, where it has made significant strides, including its recent acquisition of Nikon Precision Inc., indicating a bright future for the platform.

Wordbee

Merchandize

Wordbee provides four subscription options: Freelance, Entry, Premium, and Educational Pack for Universities Each plan features project management, translation memory, terminology management, CAT-tool functionalities, support, upgrades, and access to machine translation services The main differences among the plans lie in the number of licenses offered and the amount of available storage space.

The Freelance subscription plan is ideal for individual translators who do not require collaborative features, as it offers a single user license Additionally, this plan has significant limitations on storage, allowing only 150 MB of space on the Wordbee server Priced at 25 EUR per month, it caters specifically to solo professionals.

The Entry plan is ideal for Language Service Providers (LSPs) seeking to leverage collaborative features without extensive usage It accommodates up to five users and offers 750 MB of storage space The fixed licensing model requires project managers to manually assign licenses This subscription is priced at 1,850 EUR per year.

18 The prices were taken at the official Wordbee site (available at http://www.wordbee.com/buy-now) As of 21/10/2012.

The Premium plan enhances its predecessor in terms of storage space Within the subscription, customers are granted 1,250

The new plan offers a Concurrent License Model, which automatically re-assigns licenses based on user activity, making it ideal for larger teams or those operating across different time zones In contrast to the Fixed License Model, which requires manual seat reassignment, this model streamlines the process for enhanced efficiency The annual cost for this plan is 2,800 EUR.

The Educational Pack for Universities is designed for academic institutions seeking to improve their programs through the integration of a cloud-based CAT tool This initiative provides universities with the opportunity to enhance their curriculum and foster a more effective learning environment.

The plan offers logins for up to 20 students and one professor or administrator, along with shared resources such as a shared translation memory Additionally, it includes personalized, two-hour web training for the course professor However, this plan is not free and is priced at 1,500 EUR per academic year.

Support

Wordbee offers complimentary support services in two main categories: sales and billing, and technical assistance Users can easily access help and guidance through dedicated web forms located in the support section of the Wordbee website, addressing various platform-related inquiries Additionally, users seeking sales information can find tailored support to enhance their experience.

20 See above and billing queries can seek support via telephone, immediately obtaining subscription and other information.

Training

Wordbee has transitioned its training opportunities primarily to YouTube, offering video guides for users However, these guides often fall short in comprehensiveness, lacking detailed descriptions of various functions.

On-Site Installation

Wordbee offers a cloud-based CAT tool that can also be deployed on-site, catering to organizations that prefer to manage their own infrastructure while utilizing Wordbee's translation technology This solution allows clients to maintain control over their deployment and management processes Pricing details for this on-site option are available upon request.

Features

Project Management

Wordbee empowers project managers to create, manage, and allocate projects effectively, ensuring successful outcomes Users can integrate translatable documents, assign translation memories (TMs) and term bases (TBs), and monitor work progress within each project Additionally, Wordbee facilitates tracking of clients and translation costs, enabling project managers to oversee all project phases, including translation, proofreading, and reviewing The platform also allows PMs to invite clients for collaboration, enabling them to upload and download documents and actively participate in the translation lifecycle.

Language Management

The Wordbee web interface allows users to effectively create, manage, and enhance Translation Memory (TM) and Terminology Base (TB) assets, which can be allocated to specific projects and easily imported or exported in TMX and TBX formats Its centralized platform ensures simultaneous access to content for all users, facilitating real-time collaboration and responses among team members These features aim to promote consistency in translation and terminology across projects, ultimately streamlining the translation process and enhancing efficiency from start to finish.

Infrastructure Management

Wordbee offers a hassle-free deployment platform that simplifies IT management by eliminating the need for complex infrastructure and installations Users only require a PC, internet connection, and browser to access web-based project and language management tools The platform provides a unified environment for various project types and document formats, ensuring consistency across all tasks Additionally, all resources are stored in a centralized location, making them easily accessible to all participants in the process.

Wordbee ensures robust security for its Translator application by hosting it in a major Data Center in Luxembourg, renowned for its extensive physical security features To enhance safety further, users have the option to encrypt server communications.

Supported Formats and Languages

Wordbee supports all the major document, web and open-standard formats (such as DOC, HTML and XLIFF); and a large number of languages.

Machine Translation

Wordbee enhances machine translation (MT) capabilities in no-match scenarios by leveraging services from Google, Reverso, and Microsoft This functionality operates similarly to the MT feature in Wordfast Anywhere, making it efficient for users without the need for further elaboration.

Functionalities

Toolbar

The toolbar, situated at the top of the interface, offers commands for document saving, previewing, analysis, and special character insertion, but notably lacks commands for the translation process, which can only be accessed through customizable keyboard shortcuts While using shortcuts is the quickest method for these tasks, the option to click toolbar buttons can be beneficial in certain scenarios.

The toolbar allows users to customize platform preferences, offering options for manual and auto propagation, keyboard shortcuts, color schemes, styles, and editor layout, though its range of settings is somewhat limited.

Translation Area

The Translation area, positioned below the Toolbar, features fixed-size rows that mirror segments and includes columns for segment number, state, ST, and TT When a segment is accessed, a double-arrow icon appears in the top left corner, providing a context menu with frequently used commands such as undo, redo, segment splitting, joining, and tag insertion Notably, Wordbee claims to have significantly reduced the number of tags in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, which enhances the translation process and offers a competitive advantage over other platforms.

Expandable Tabs Area

The interface features four customizable tabs: Translation Finder, Comments and Discussion, Segment Information, and Document Viewer The Translation Finder allows users to utilize Translation Memory (TM), Term Base (TB), and Machine Translation (MT) The Comments and Discussion tab facilitates collaboration on comments for specific segments, while the Segment Information tab provides details related to revisions.

TM used And the last one allows previewing the translated documents.

Concordance and Glossary Searches

The Translation Finder tab allows users to perform concordance and glossary searches using designated shortcuts Users can easily insert search results, access additional information, and edit retrieved TM content through special buttons Notably, when TM content is modified, Wordbee scans customer project documents for the edited content and offers options to update it within those documents, thereby enhancing translation consistency across all materials.

Apart from these searches, users can conduct Internet searches directly in the tool interface; and search in various predefined databases (including IATE, for example).

Fig 6 Wordbee Interface Wordbee Translator.mp4

Summary

Wordbee is a rapidly evolving, web-based translation solution from Luxembourg, established in 2008 It offers four subscription plans tailored for both individuals and teams Users can manage projects, execute translations, and coordinate various aspects of the process while utilizing Translation Memory (TM) and Terminology Base (TB) assets The user-friendly interface facilitates the translation process primarily through keyboard shortcuts, with additional features like auto propagation and web search accessible via menus and expandable tabs.

Floating-license system Server-space limitations

Free of charge support Paid academic license

No need to install anything

Translation-process related commands available only via keyboard shortcuts Comprehensive PM interface

TM and TB searches part of the interface Possibility to correct TM entries across documents

Source: Compiled by the author of the thesis.

This chapter summarizes the key features and functionalities of various cloud-based CAT tools, comparing them to traditional stand-alone options, particularly SDL Trados, the leading tool in the market It highlights the differences between these tools and their conventional counterparts, while also identifying their strengths and weaknesses Additionally, the chapter is organized into thematic subchapters, with an overview table included in the Appendix for easy reference.

Licensing

Licence Types

The creators of Translation Workspace, MemSource, and Wordbee have leveraged the cloud capabilities of their platforms by implementing subscription-based licensing, allowing customers to tailor their plans to meet specific needs While all three platforms share common features, such as scaling based on the licensing duration and number of user accounts, they differ in their pricing structures GeoWorkz provides monthly plans with an option for annual subscriptions at a discounted rate, MemSource only offers monthly plans, and Wordbee presents biannual plans with potential savings for annual subscriptions.

Unlike other companies, WebWordSystem follows a model similar to SDL Trados by offering perpetual licensing, allowing customers to receive a full license with just a one-time payment.

Wordfast LLC offers its tool free of charge.

Limitations

When evaluating tool licensing features, it's essential to consider not only the duration of the license but also the scalability options for user accounts While some limitations can be addressed by opting for higher-tier plans, others are inherent to the licensing structure.

GeoWorkz implements a translated-word-limitation policy, allowing customers to pay monthly based on the number of ST words translated, with the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade their plans according to their usage In contrast, Wordfast LLC provides its services for free but imposes strict limitations on the number of documents, translation units, assets in translation memories, term bases, and maximum file upload size, with no subscription options available MemSource operates on a tiered subscription model, offering more features and functionalities as customers pay for higher plans, including unlimited document uploads and enhanced workflow capabilities WebWordSystem's main drawback is the need for separate purchases for tool upgrades, while Wordbee restricts server storage space, limiting the amount of customer documents that can be stored on its servers.

Pricing

When making purchase decisions for translation tools, key factors such as pricing, total cost of ownership (TCO), and return on investment (ROI) play a crucial role A notable comparison exists between the pay-per-word model of Translation Workspace, MemSource, and Wordbee, and the one-time license fee structure of WebWordSystem and SDL Trados This analysis focuses specifically on annual single-license plans to provide clear insights into the cost implications of each option.

An LSP subscribing to the lowest GeoWorkz plan, which allows for translation of up to 5,000 words monthly, incurs an annual cost of 3,011 CZK In contrast, an LSP opting for the highest GeoWorkz plan, accommodating up to 80,000 words per month, pays 15,194 CZK per year Additionally, the cost for MemSource is 6,281 CZK annually.

To ensure an impartial comparison, the prices were determined using the official selling prices Considering alternative resellers or discounts would have altered the ratio between individual tools; however, these variations are beyond the scope of this Thesis.

As of October 21, 2012, pricing for translation software varies significantly, with GeoWorkz offering plans available on their official site Wordbee is priced at 7,851 CZK annually, while a perpetual license for WebWordSystem costs 17,553 CZK Additionally, SDL Trados Studio 2011 Freelance is available for 22,113 CZK.

An occasional translator using Translation Workspace will take about 2,680 days, or roughly 7.25 years, to match the capabilities of an SDL Trados license In contrast, a more active translator can achieve this level much sooner.

In a comparative analysis of translation software, Translation Workspace allows less active translators to benefit from a pay-as-you-go model, reaching cost efficiency in just 531 days, while more active users may incur higher costs after approximately 18 months In contrast, MemSource and Wordbee users can translate without worrying about word limits, but they will face higher licensing fees than SDL Trados after about three years, although they may pay slightly less than with WebWordSystem.

23 The price was taken at the official MemSource site (available at http://www.memsource.com/pricing/) As of 21/10/2012.

24 The price was taken at the official Wordbee site (available at http://www.wordbee.com/buy-now) As of 21/10/2012.

25 The price was taken at the official WebWordSystem site (available at http://www.webwordsystem.com/en/prices.aspx) As of 21/10/2012.

26 The price was taken at the official SDL site (available at http://www.translationzone.com/en/translator-shop/shop_main.asp) As of 21/10/2012.

27 All the exchange rates were taken from the Czech National Bank As of

When evaluating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return on Investment (ROI), it's crucial to consider not only licensing but also infrastructure and upgrade costs Cloud-based tools eliminate the need for complex infrastructure deployment and reduce maintenance expenses Subscriptions to Translation Workspace, MemSource, and Wordbee include free platform upgrades, ensuring users have access to the latest versions In contrast, SDL requires users to manage their own upgrades when launching new software versions, such as SDL Trados Studio.

In 2011, users upgrading from previous versions of software faced significant additional costs, either through purchasing an upgrade from the 2009 version or acquiring a new license for the 2007 version, which negatively impacted ROI compared to cloud-based tools The case of WebWordSystem is more complex, as it necessitates separate purchases for upgrades and relies on Microsoft Office, leading to further investments Ultimately, TCO and ROI evaluations are highly individualized, making it difficult to generalize the preferred platform, especially for larger customers where calculations become more intricate.

Scalability

Subscription-based platform companies emphasize scalability as a major advantage over traditional licensing models, allowing customers to pay only for what they truly need With these subscriptions, users can easily upgrade or downgrade their licenses or services, such as the number of words in Translation Workspace, according to their requirements Additionally, customers have the flexibility to choose not to renew their subscriptions, ensuring they only pay for the tools when necessary This approach starkly contrasts with perpetual licensing, which locks users into their purchase decision with no option for adjustment after the license is acquired.

Academic Licences

MemSource, WebWordSystem, and Wordbee are three tool developers that support translation-student training by providing academic licenses This collaboration benefits students by allowing them to gain practical experience with various CAT tools, while developers can promote their software and attract new customers.

The three companies’ approaches towards academic licensing differ significantly MemSource offers a special Academic pricing plan

MemSource Technologies offers a plan for academic institutions with translation programs that requires negotiation In contrast, WebWordSystem provides a free license to language students under the age of twenty-five, allowing them to retain access to the tool even after graduation Additionally, Wordbee presents a university translation package that includes twenty student user accounts, but it comes at a cost of 1,500 EUR per academic year, impacting university budgets.

Support

All the analyzed tools offer support services, with Wordbee providing these at no cost Other tools feature basic support, which is free and includes knowledge bases, FAQs, and support forums, while advanced support, available for an additional fee, offers direct email and telephone assistance Pricing for these services ranges from 262 CZK per month for Translation Workspace to 28,133 CZK for WebWordSystem.

Training

Individual tool training opportunities are primarily available for free or included with subscriptions, featuring presentations, video guides, and webinars Additionally, Wordfast LLC and WebWordSystem provide a wide range of paid training sessions that cover various topics related to their platforms.

Project Management Interface

MemSource and Wordbee offer robust web-based project management interfaces that streamline the creation, management, and finalization of projects, allowing customers to efficiently add translatable documents and translation memory (TM) and terminology (TB) assets, ultimately saving resources typically allocated to in-house project management In contrast, while Translation Workspace and WebWordSystem lack comprehensive PM interfaces, they still provide useful features that enhance project management efficiency.

The PM process includes Asset Aliasing technology, facilitating asset sharing between projects and Language Service Providers (LSPs), while also allowing for the assignment of project numbers that connect Translation Memory (TM) and Terminology Base (TB) assets to specific projects In contrast, Wordfast Anywhere lacks any project management interface.

SDL Trados offers a project-management interface for creating and managing projects, but its stand-alone nature requires project managers to distribute files, such as translation memories (TMs) and term bases (TBs), through traditional methods like email or FTP In contrast, cloud-based tools like MemSource and Wordbee provide a unified project-management interface, enabling users to access projects directly without the need for file compression or additional distribution tasks, giving them a significant advantage over Trados.

TM and TB Sharing

The TM and TB sharing functionality is a fundamental aspect of cloud-based CAT tools, serving as a common feature across all analyzed platforms This capability emphasizes real-time collaboration, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of translation processes.

The promotional materials highlight "hassle-free asset sharing" as a key advantage, showcasing the developers' focus on this feature to attract customers effectively.

The TM and TB sharing tools exhibit comparable features, with databases hosted on tool servers accessible after users log in with their subscription credentials Once logged in, users have the ability to access, enter, modify, delete, and search the databases efficiently.

Real-time access to Translation Memories (TMs) and Term Bases (TBs) allows collaborative groups to enhance translation and terminology consistency Language specialists can eliminate the need for manual updates and distribution of TMs and TBs, as all changes are reflected online instantly This immediate visibility fosters awareness among translators about their colleagues' contributions, facilitating prompt discussions and resolutions of translation issues Consequently, project managers, linguists, reviewers, and translators can quickly identify and correct mistakes during the translation process, reducing errors that typically arise in the later review stages However, it is crucial to be cautious, as errors can spread rapidly if not addressed, potentially leading to significant setbacks.

Tool servers not only offer essential characteristics but also function as effective storage and backup platforms, alleviating the significant burden of asset management for many Language Service Providers (LSPs) The cloud-based nature of these tools allows LSPs to delegate a substantial portion of their storage and backup tasks to these servers However, it is important to note that this solution is not entirely foolproof, and LSPs must implement additional measures to safeguard their assets Furthermore, they should carefully review the applicable terms of use and exercise caution when handling sensitive data on third-party servers.

Translation Memory (TM) and Translation Base (TB) sharing solutions vary significantly despite their foundational similarities Translation Workspace utilizes Live Asset and Asset Aliasing technologies, allowing companies to share assets not only within a single subscription but also across multiple subscribers, facilitating collaboration with various translation agencies In contrast, Wordfast Anywhere fosters teamwork through a Very Large Translation Memory (VLTM), where users can create workgroups and share assets identified by a unique ID, although these assets are limited to a maximum lifespan of 24 months on the VLTM servers Additionally, WebWordSystem deviates from the norm by centralizing assets into a single TM and TB, which are categorized by project numbers and ISIC classification, lacking the clarity offered by separate TMs and TBs Furthermore, WebWordSystem introduces TM-asset merchandise, enabling users to buy and sell TM assets, promoting collaboration while raising concerns about the quality and value of the purchased assets.

TM and TB Exchange

All examined tools facilitate TM and TB exchange, with varying support for formats They universally support the TMX format for TM exchange Wordfast Anywhere additionally supports TXT format and offers advanced TM-exchange options to enhance the import of TMs from Wordfast, Trados, SDLX, and Idiom Regarding TB-exchange formats, most tools primarily support TBX, with exceptions like Wordfast Anywhere, which supports only tabulated TXT format, and Wordbee, which supports both TBX and CSV formats.

MT Capabilities

A very interesting area in terms of the CAT tool features concerns the rapidly developing machine translation services Three of the examined tool developers – Wordfast Anywhere, MemSource and

Wordbee – seem to be convinced that integration of MT services positively enhances their platforms and gives them a competitive advantage over their rivals.

When users activate machine translation (MT) capabilities, tools automatically source and insert an MT solution for each segment that lacks a match in translation memories (TMs) Users have the flexibility to select from multiple MT services, with Google and Microsoft MT services being the default options across all tools Additionally, Wordfast Anywhere provides access to WorldLingo and iTranslate4 services, while WordBee includes the Reverso service.

Despite advancements, machine translation (MT) solutions remain insufficient, necessitating caution when handling sensitive information, as data is often shared with third parties like Google and Microsoft during the translation process.

OCR and Alignment Capabilities

Wordfast Anywhere provides users with free OCR and alignment services, which can greatly enhance translation efficiency While these features are typically found in costly commercial tools, they offer a valuable alternative for language service providers (LSPs) seeking budget-friendly options However, it's important to note that Wordfast's services may not match the quality of their paid counterparts.

Translation Clients

Translation clients play a crucial role in the usability of translation tools, as they serve as the primary interface for most translators The clarity and user-friendliness of these clients significantly impact the overall tool experience for translators To enhance the translation experience, developers of the analyzed tools have implemented diverse strategies focused on the translation-client platform, interface design, and functionalities.

Cloud-based CAT tools present a significant distinction in translation-client types Tools like Wordfast Anywhere and Wordbee operate entirely online, requiring no installation and simplifying the user experience to just having a computer with an internet connection In contrast, developers such as Translation Workspace, MemSource, and WebWordSystem offer installable translation clients that connect to translation memories (TMs) and term bases (TBs) stored on their servers in the cloud.

When comparing translation tool platforms, it's essential to note the differences between installable and non-installable options Wordfast Anywhere and Wordbee offer browser-based interfaces with CAT functionalities, while Translation Workspace provides users with a choice between an installable Microsoft Word Plug-in and an XLIFF Editor The Word Plug-in is ideal for those who prefer the familiar Microsoft Word interface and its extensive format support In contrast, the XLIFF Editor caters to Language Service Providers (LSPs) looking to leverage the benefits of the XLIFF format and advanced editing features Additionally, WebWordSystem requires customers to invest in an MS Office license, as it functions as an add-on to Microsoft Office.

MemSource utilizes its own platform, featuring the MemSource Editor, which is specifically designed for managing project files created within the MemSource online project management interface This standalone tool enhances the translation process for users working with various document formats, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Unlike traditional CAT-tool solutions that often require complex installations, the translation interfaces of the examined tools are lightweight and user-friendly Both installable and web-based options demand minimal IT resources while offering features comparable to standalone tools This makes them particularly attractive to customers looking to save costs by avoiding complicated infrastructure setups.

Portable-Device Support

Wordfast Anywhere not only supports PC platforms but also offers compatibility with various portable device operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, and Palm OS This enhances the tool's portability, allowing users to perform translation tasks on the go with internet access However, the tool's performance on these devices can be notably slow, which may hinder its competitive edge.

Offline Working

Despite the rapid expansion of Internet coverage, users of cloud-based CAT tools often encounter frustrating offline scenarios In these instances, the ability of a tool to function offline becomes crucial Tools like Wordfast Anywhere and Wordbee are entirely web-based, rendering them ineffective without an Internet connection Other tools offer limited offline capabilities; for example, Translation Workspace and WebWordSystem MS Office plug-ins require a login to access segments, allowing only for the editing of existing content offline In contrast, the Translation Workspace XLIFF Editor and MemSource Editor can open and edit new segments without an Internet connection However, it's important to note that offline use means no access to Translation Memories (TMs) and Term Bases (TBs), resulting in an inability to retrieve or store translations.

Functionalities

Menus

The translation tools Translation Workspace, Wordfast Anywhere, and MemSource prioritize traditional menu structures, featuring similar layouts with options like File and Edit, which enhance tool operability In contrast, developers of WebWordSystem and Wordbee view these classic menus as outdated elements that impede the translation workflow.

Toolbars

The examined tools reveal a dual role of toolbars, serving either as supplementary menus for quick access to frequently used commands or as complete menu replacements This distinction highlights the lightweight nature of some tools, which can function without traditional menus For instance, while Translation Workspace, Wordfast Anywhere, and MemSource rely heavily on menus, WebWordSystem and Wordbee operate effectively using only toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and context menus Notably, all analyzed tools feature rigid, non-customizable toolbar structures.

The number of toolbars in translation software varies by platform, with the Word Plug-in featuring a single basic commands toolbar, while the XLIFF Editor offers two for advanced options Wordfast Anywhere also provides two toolbars to minimize navigation time, including a standard toolbar and a Segment toolbar for frequently used commands MemSource has a single toolbar with limited commands, and WebWordSystem allows users to select between an expanded or a compact 4-button layout Wordbee utilizes a ribbon toolbar complemented by keyboard shortcuts and a context menu, but the command options across these platforms do not overlap significantly, necessitating the use of specific tools for different functions like segment movement and spellchecking.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a fast and efficient way to perform tasks in CAT tools, with many tools offering a wide range of predefined shortcuts However, translators often have established routines and may struggle when transitioning to new tools with different shortcuts To address this issue, Wordfast Anywhere and Wordbee allow users to customize their keyboard shortcuts, improving user-friendliness and accommodating individual preferences.

SDL Trados 2009 and 2011 offer various user-input methods, including menus, toolbars, and keyboard shortcuts Their menus are extensive, and both toolbars and keyboard shortcuts can be customized to suit user preferences.

Segment Layout

The analysis of segment layouts reveals a persistent debate between proponents of horizontal and vertical designs, with a notable preference for horizontal layouts, which dominate with a 3:2 ratio Tools such as Translation Workspace, Wordfast Anywhere, and WebWordSystem exemplify this trend by utilizing a horizontal layout.

MemSource and Wordbee, like Trados 2009 and later versions, favor a vertical layout for their interfaces While it's difficult to definitively state which layout is superior, I personally find the vertical design more comfortable, as it reduces eye strain during use.

TM and TB Searches

The TM and TB search functionalities in the analyzed tools exhibit similar fundamental features Users can easily search for text by selecting it and executing the relevant command Additionally, all tools automatically search for terminology as soon as a segment is opened.

The primary distinction among translation tools lies in their TM and TB search interfaces The Translation Workspace Microsoft Plug-in opens TM and TB searches in separate windows, while XLIFF Editor integrates the TB search within its main interface Wordfast Anywhere also utilizes dedicated separate windows for asset searches In contrast, MemSource and Wordbee, like Trados 2009 and later versions, seamlessly incorporate searches into their interfaces, offering a streamlined user experience However, WebWordSystem presents a less efficient workflow, as the TB search occurs in a separate window, and accessing the TM search requires navigating to the WebWordSystem web interface.

Unfortunately, they have to copy and insert the desired translation back into the segment manually.

Spellchecking

Spellchecking functionalities are essential for preventing mistakes in translation tools Most of these tools utilize external spellchecking solutions, such as the MS Office spellchecker used by Translation Workspace and WebWordSystem plug-ins, while Wordfast Anywhere and Wordbee leverage browser-based spellcheckers Translation Workspace XLIFF Editor offers users the option to select either an internal spellchecker or the Word spellchecker, whereas MemSource, similar to Trados 2009 and later versions, employs its own internal spellchecker.

Internet Search

Translators frequently utilize various online resources for translations, terminology, and references as part of their daily routines Recognizing this need, developers of tools like Translation Workspace, Wordfast Anywhere, and Wordbee have integrated Internet search functionalities into their platforms Among these, Wordfast Anywhere stands out for its progressive approach, allowing users to customize their Internet search and select preferred websites In contrast, Wordbee offers access to a wide range of Internet databases, including IATE, to enhance the search experience for users.

Workspace Internet-search functionality is the least useful one because it supports searching only in English-German Internet dictionaries.

Built-in Instant Messaging

Translation Workspace improves user collaboration through an integrated chat feature, allowing users to communicate instantly within both interfaces However, with the availability of more advanced instant messaging programs today, the relevance of the Translation Workspace chat may be questioned, likened to "carrying coals to Newcastle."

Working Speed

In analyzing the cloud-based platform, it's essential to evaluate its operational speed, particularly focusing on two main factors: the time taken to translate until the next non-100% match and the efficiency of concordance searches.

I developed a 100-segment text and a translation memory (TM) with corresponding translations for each segment I then timed how long it took the tool to populate all segments with TM translations Additionally, I selected different text portions, performed a concordance search, and recorded the time taken for the results to display This process was repeated over ten consecutive days to calculate the average results.

28 As to IT technicalities: processor used: Intel Core i3, 2.40 GHz; RAM: 4 GB

DDR3; system: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit; average Internet download speed: 5.143 Mbit/s (based on http://rychlost.cz/).

The investigation revealed that MemSource, WebWordSystem, and Wordbee demonstrated quick response times, facilitating an efficient translation process These tools completed tasks rapidly on all testing days In contrast, Translation Workspace and Wordfast Anywhere exhibited slower performances, with Translation Workspace taking an average of 23 seconds to acquire 100% matches from the translation memory, often freezing and crashing during the process Similarly, Wordfast Anywhere struggled with slow concordance results, making searches frustrating for users For detailed results, please refer to the table in the Appendix.

Summary: The “Winners and Losers”

While the CAT tools analyzed share a common foundation, their comparisons reveal that each developer has uniquely leveraged cloud technology The descriptions and comparative tables indicate that, despite certain shared characteristics, these tools adopt distinct approaches as cohesive entities in their pursuit of creating effective translation platforms.

The analyzed tools are fundamentally connected through their focus on language and infrastructure management, leveraging cloud-based platforms to deliver translation memory (TM) and terminology (TB) asset management This innovative approach offers capabilities that surpass those of traditional systems.

Centralized platforms enable real-time access to assets from any internet-connected PC, allowing multiple Language Service Providers (LSPs) to collaborate effectively on Translation Memories (TMs) and Term Bases (TBs) to maintain consistency and accuracy in translations This shift alleviates the burden of managing complex IT infrastructures for LSPs, as they can rely on tool providers for infrastructure management While there are concerns regarding service availability and confidentiality, tool providers maintain that these issues are unfounded.

The differences among translation tools are evident in their licensing policies, which cater to various types of language service providers (LSPs), from freelancers to large enterprises Tool developers enhance usability through diverse project management interfaces and additional services like the GeoWorkz Marketplace and VLTM project, as well as machine translation (MT) capabilities Furthermore, individual translation platforms exhibit significant variations in types and functionalities, including options that are installable versus entirely web-based, and stand-alone versus add-on solutions These platforms also differ in their menu designs, toolbar functionalities, keyboard shortcuts, layouts, and translation memory (TM) and terminology database (TB) search features.

The diverse characteristics of translation tools make it impossible to declare a single "winner," as different target customers have unique needs and preferences For instance, Translation Anywhere is essential for LSPs involved in Lionbridge projects and appeals to traditional users seeking advanced features in a familiar interface Wordfast Anywhere is ideal for freelancers who prefer not to invest in a CAT solution but still want access to valuable features typically found in paid options Meanwhile, MemSource and Wordbee cater to clients looking for an advanced project management solution combined with a lightweight translation platform, with MemSource being particularly beneficial for academic institutions and Wordbee offering CAT functionalities without installation requirements.

In the discussion of "winners" in the comparison, WebWordSystem is notably absent, as it appears to be a "loser" in this context The evaluation results and the pros-and-cons table at the end of the WebWordSystem section highlight numerous drawbacks associated with using the platform However, it is important to note that some Language Service Providers (LSPs) may still consider WebWordSystem to be a suitable option for their needs.

In this article, we will explore the differences between cloud-based CAT tools and traditional stand-alone options, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each to provide a comprehensive understanding of their functionalities and applications in the translation industry.

SDL Trados is a leading CAT tool in the market, known for its comprehensive functionalities While it offers robust features, cloud-based tools provide enhanced collaboration opportunities and require fewer IT resources A comparison of licensing costs reveals that longer subscription periods for LSPs may result in less favorable pricing compared to perpetual licenses Ultimately, LSPs must evaluate whether the benefits of cloud collaboration and lower IT maintenance justify the subscription expenses A deeper analysis of these two types of CAT tools could serve as a valuable topic for future research.

Recent developments in cloud computing reveal intriguing insights into its future trajectory, suggesting that the prospects for this technology are exceptionally bright Expert analyses from organizations like In-Stat and the 451 Group highlight the growing potential and opportunities within the cloud-computing landscape.

SaaS spending is expected to grow 112 percent annually from 2011 to 2014, while spending on PaaS will increase

113 percent annually to approximately $460 million in 2014 [In total,] cloud computing revenues would touch $16.7 billion by 2015 (sourya, Where Is Cloud Computing Going?)

As cloud computing continues to expand, more individuals and companies are expected to transition their IT needs to the cloud, leading to an increase in available services Futurologist Dr James Bellini forecasts that a company's success will increasingly depend on fully embracing cloud operations within the next decade Similarly, Open University professor John Naughton suggests that cloud providers will dominate the market This trend, coupled with rising cloud profits, indicates that traditional computers may evolve into mere terminals accessing cloud-based services and applications However, it's essential to recognize that, much like the coexistence of radio, television, and the Internet, various technologies can thrive together despite predictions of one overshadowing the other.

“traditional” and cloud solutions may similarly combine in order to satisfy different customer needs.

The ongoing debate between traditional and cloud-based CAT tools raises questions about the future of these technologies While companies like Lionbridge and Wordfast LLC report increasing numbers of cloud-based users, SDL Trados maintains a significant market share of approximately 80% However, translator forums such as ProZ.com and TranslatorsCafe.com reveal growing dissatisfaction with Trados' outdated architecture and licensing policies Although it's unlikely that SDL will lose a substantial portion of its market to cloud-based competitors, the gradual loss of profit may lead to the development of a new cloud-based version of SDL Trados, which could shift the balance in favor of cloud technology in the CAT tool landscape.

Current trends in cloud technology are already transforming the landscape of CAT tools, eliminating the need to wait for future advancements to observe these changes.

Crowdsourcing

To reduce translation costs, many organizations turn to crowdsourcing, which involves outsourcing tasks traditionally performed by designated agents to a large, undefined group of people While this concept predates the Internet, advancements in cloud computing have made crowdsourcing more efficient In cloud-based crowdsourced translation, entities often appeal to their customers and supporters to translate content like web pages and user interfaces for free Ideally, participants collaborate to create high-quality translations and localize content for different target language speakers However, this ideal scenario is rare, as many crowd members may produce subpar translations, sometimes believing they are more skilled than they are A notable example of poor crowdsourced translation occurred with the localization of the Twitter interface into Czech, where substandard translations remain evident.

"Twitter lends itself to causes and actions, inspiring us daily with stories of individuals using the platform to make the world a better place in unexpected ways Despite mixed outcomes, many organizations continue to view crowdsourcing as a beneficial approach, suggesting that it will likely remain a practice utilized by cloud-based CAT tools."

Translation Marketplaces

Another trend that may get prominent in the future concerns various

“marketplaces” which exploit cloud-based translation platforms in

As of October 31, 2012, various marketplaces have emerged to connect translators with translation tasks These platforms operate as both auction houses, where translators can bid for jobs, and virtual translation agencies, where registered translators receive assignments The GeoWorkz Marketplace, discussed in subchapter 4.3.4, exemplifies the auction house model.

Translation Cloud LLC operates similarly to traditional translation agencies but allows anyone fluent in at least two languages to subscribe and work after passing a proficiency test The company prioritizes client confidentiality by assigning short text segments rather than entire projects, and translations are conducted through a cloud-based interface, streamlining the process compared to traditional CAT tools Quality control is essential, with a ranking system that rewards competent translators with more job opportunities, while those caught cheating face bans and placement on a Translator Blacklist.

From the perspective of individual translators, the benefits of current trends are debatable Personally, I believe that the auction system places significant pressure on translators, compelling them to offer their services at prices far below their true value.

A virtual translation agency offers an intriguing solution for translators by minimizing downtime during periods without projects However, it also presents the significant risk of potential non-payment for completed work.

Translation Using Portable Devices

Wordfast LLC is leading the way in the evolution of translation platforms, shifting the traditional reliance on PCs as the primary tool for translators As mobile devices like smartphones and tablets become more powerful and user-friendly, many applications are transitioning from desktop to portable formats While CAT tools still have room for improvement on these devices, the integration of lightweight cloud-based solutions is set to enhance translation processes, making it increasingly common to see translators working on the go with mobile technology.

Summary

Cloud computing is rapidly transforming the landscape of technology, with an increasing number of applications and investments migrating to the cloud As a result, Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools are adapting to this shift by embracing cloud-based solutions Future trends suggest that cloud-based CAT tools will serve as a foundation for crowdsourcing and translation marketplaces, bringing both advantages and challenges Furthermore, the success of these tools will likely be significantly influenced by the rise of portable devices.

Cloud computing presents numerous opportunities to streamline the translation process and improve translation quality However, the inherent limitations of cloud-based solutions hinder them from fully replicating the features and functionalities found in traditional stand-alone systems.

An analysis of CAT tools such as Translation Workspace, Wordfast Anywhere, MemSource, WebWordSystem, and Wordbee shows that while they share a common foundation, they each approach the challenges of cloud technology differently A key feature of these tools is their ability to store Translation Memory (TM) and Term Base (TB) assets online, allowing eligible users to access these resources without the need for local storage, thereby enhancing collaboration and resource efficiency However, users should be aware of potential confidentiality and availability risks associated with third-party servers, as well as the reliance on stable Internet access Additionally, these cloud-based solutions are lightweight, requiring minimal IT resources and often only a PC with an Internet connection and browser for access, which alleviates the need for complex IT infrastructures However, this lightweight nature also means that they may lack the extensive features and functionalities found in traditional CAT tools.

The solutions analyzed present various approaches to cloud utilization, with some leveraging the cloud's capability to measure service consumption through scalable subscriptions While certain tools offer comprehensive project management features, many lack these capabilities altogether In terms of translation processes, the solutions provide diverse interfaces, categorized into installable applications for PCs, either as standalone tools or Microsoft Office plug-ins, and completely web-based options that are more lightweight All interfaces primarily serve as gateways to online translation memory (TM) and terminology (TB) assets, differing in their command comprehensibility; some maintain advanced commands typical of traditional tools, while others cater to less demanding users who require only basic functionalities.

Translation Workspace by Lionbridge is a versatile translation solution that offers various subscription options tailored for different Language Service Providers (LSPs) The pricing structure is based on subscription duration, user licenses, and the volume of source text words translated It features two proprietary technologies, Live Asset and Asset Aliasing, to improve collaboration within the platform Users can select between a Microsoft Word Plug-in and a standalone XLIFF Editor, catering to diverse translation needs This CAT tool is essential for LSPs working with Lionbridge and also appeals to traditionalists seeking to blend advanced CAT functionalities with cloud capabilities.

Wordfast Anywhere is a free, web-based CAT tool developed by Wordfast LLC, designed for freelancers seeking advanced translation functionalities without financial investment While it offers a range of features such as OCR, online alignment, and Pandora’s Box, users face limitations on file sizes, the number of uploads, and the capacity of translation memories (TMs) and term bases (TBs) The translation process is conducted through a lightweight yet comprehensive browser interface, making it an accessible option for those looking to utilize CAT tools effectively.

MemSource, a project developed from Charles University, offers a cloud-based translation solution with various subscription options, including a free license for academic institutions Its project management capabilities are built on a robust online platform that facilitates project creation, asset management, and more Translations are carried out in the MemSource Editor, a standalone tool that, while lacking advanced translation-process commands, includes essential features for effective translation completion This solution is designed for Language Service Providers (LSPs) seeking a comprehensive project management interface combined with a lightweight translation platform.

WebWordSystem is a user-friendly CAT tool from Denmark that focuses on simplicity and offers perpetual licensing rather than subscription plans It manages projects and languages through project codes instead of allowing the creation of individual projects, translation memories (TMs), and term bases (TBs) This tool functions as a Microsoft Office plug-in, featuring a toolbar and a translation workbench, with essential translation commands accessible via just four buttons However, some operations, like TM searches, can be cumbersome and hinder efficiency.

Wordbee is a fully web-based translation solution that offers various subscription options, each with limitations on data storage It features advanced project and language management tools that assist users throughout the translation project cycle Similar to Wordfast Anywhere, the translation process is conducted through a user-friendly internet browser interface that includes sophisticated commands for translation memory (TM) and term base (TB) searches Wordbee is ideal for language service providers (LSPs) seeking a comprehensive yet lightweight translation solution.

Research indicates a bright future for cloud-based CAT tools, which are benefiting from the rapid growth of cloud computing These tools are increasingly utilized to handle a growing number of translation units While the competition between cloud solutions and traditional methods remains unresolved, cloud-based tools are quickly gaining popularity in the translation industry.

The thesis analyzes five translation platforms: Translation Workspace, Wordfast Anywhere, MemSource, WebWordSystem, and Wordbee Except for Wordfast Anywhere, which is free to use, the other platforms were evaluated using trial licenses provided by their respective companies.

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