Open source CAT as an alternative to Across and Trados, etc.?

CAT tools are a vital element of everyday translation life. Language service providers, in-house language services and freelance translators can now choose from a variety of software to assist with the translation process. High purchase costs or strictly licensed use however mean users quickly become dependent on a particular software package or its provider. Even the processes are more tailored to the software than the other way around since hardly any small or medium-sized LSP provides its own IT developments and there are no open interfaces for individual further developments. The major manufacturers therefore have a significant influence on the market, processes and ultimately prices.

This is where a joint open source project comes in – one that brings together translate5, OpenTM2 (an open source version of IBM TranslationManager) and Moses to create a powerful tool for translation, revision and post-editing. The collaboration between several partners, the user-friendly interface and extensive quality assurance of translate5, the powerful translation memory system of OpenTM2 and the ability of Moses to link in to machine translation technology combines to create a modern and productive translation environment that satisfies the needs of LSPs. The system also permits the integration of proprietary systems, allowing bilingual documents, language pairs and packages from CAT tools to be processed and providing interfaces to major providers.

The first crowdfunding phase is already complete and the second phase has now been launched. oneword, a silver sponsor of the pioneering project, already uses translate5 on a productive basis and actively contributes ideas for required features to the project.

For more information on the status of the second crowdfunding phase, click  here.