CAT Tools

File engineering and Translation Tools

As translation technology advances, translation projects can be tackled in a number of different ways to provide high quality results that fit seamlessly with the needs of customer. From sales brochures and advertising campaigns, to technical manuals and tender documents, Applied Language Solutions works with our customer to ensure we deliver translations that meet the brief, and add value to our customer’s business profile.

CAT Tools

Applied Language Solutions uses a number of leading market tools to complete translation projects, including a broad range of cutting edge Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools.
To the uninitiated, CAT tools operate by analysing the text that needs to be translated, breaks the text down into segments, usually a sentence in length, and builds up a translated version next to the original source material. These are Translation Units (TU) and the CAT tool transports these into a Translation Memory which can then be used in a number of ways.
The most commonly used, and effective tools are:

SDLX:

The main interface is very user friendly in most circumstances, although with heavily formatted source material it can be quite bewildering. The workflow operation has several useful features such as the ability to process files in to several target languages, simultaneously.

SDL Trados:

The software now has a very useful array of features and can process the latest file formats. The suite of tools that comprise Trados interact almost seamlessly with these more recent additions to the file formats, which has improved the user experience.
There is a very large established user base although the entry level cost does put off a number of translators. The support for this product is also very good.

Deja-vu:

Deja-vu is more of a niche product than the tools mentioned above, but it is still a very good tool with a number of important features. Although the user interface is an improvement on the SDLX one and is quite straightforward, there is quite a steep learning curve for new users. The main disadvantage is the small user base.

To speak to one of our project managers/file engineers/sales people about your requirements today, contact 0845 367 7000 in the UK and +1 (800) 579 5010 in the US, alternatively email enquiries@appliedlanguage.com

File engineering

Your 360 degree translation project
In an ideal world, the use of translation tools and technology is actually the final part of the jigsaw, the last step at the end of a process. Our ALS team will work with you to build a platform that allows the smooth integration of text from one language to another, without needing to significantly change the original design and layout of documents.

Translation technology and most file types are now sophisticated enough that they can work in some degree of harmony. Gone are the days when translated text needed to be retro-fit back to the original template in as best fit as possible, and we look to educate our customers about the possibilities now available to them – even on the most straightforward of projects. Now translation can take place on a working document allowing ALS to work with our customer from the first step of developing the brief, through such project factors as negotiating cultural demands and ensuring that the document is fit for purpose and meets customer brand guidelines, to finally including the completed translated text.
ALS works with the customer to provide a 360 degree service, not just a completed passage of translated text.

Translations for any file format

One of the most commonly asked questions from our existing and potential customers is “can you accept my translation in this format?”

With Applied Language Solutions, the answer is a resounding yes. We can accept your source text from file format.

As yet, we haven’t encountered a file type we haven’t been able to work with. That’s because our file engineers work with a range of file types on a daily basis, from website source code, desktop publishing and multimedia files to standard office documents and even hard copy – we work with all files types, whatever the language.

  • HTML / XHTML
  • XML
  • Java
  • Flash
  • DeskTop Publishing files
  • Illustrator/Photoshop/Graphics files
  • Rich Text Format
  • CSS
  • PC/Mac based Office documents (doc, wpd, wp7, pub, xl, xls, ppt, etc)

For multimedia where audio and video files are concerned, you may want to read more about our professional Transcription service or Software Localization for the translation of programme coding.

To speak to one of our project managers/file engineers/sales people about your requirements today, contact +44 (0)845 367 7000 in the UK and +1 (800) 579 5010 in the US.  Alternatively you can email enquiries@appliedlanguage.com

Testimonial

Mr M from Touchwood
"We went through seven local translation companies before we found Applied Language Solutions. Not only have they met our needs for four different languages, they have been very helpful and informative if any adjustments were ever needed. We have been with them for over a year and are happy to continue for many more!"