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Translation Management Systems
 
Keywords
translation, translation management system, TMS, globalization management system (GMS), translation memory, content management system, CMS

Abstract
Since our initial coverage of TMS in 2003, software vendors have rapidly built out their feature sets, partnered to fill functionality gaps, and ramped marketing spend to fend off new entrants. This report examines over 100 common and not-so-common system capabilities spanning business data, project control, language tools, connectivity, and oversight. We provide "feature completeness" ratings in ten key areas and score percentage complete for both core and advanced features in each area, for 24 different systems. We compiled scores for the following categories: server-based and webtop translation tools; project and process management; finance and resource management; application programming interfaces (APIs) and CMS connectors; translation business intelligence (TBI) and business process monitoring (BPM).

We scored the 24 translation management solutions using the feature-function matrix we began developing when we started our sector coverage five years ago (see "Rage Against the Content Management Machine," Mar03). Our first dedicated report on the TMS area was in 2005 ("Beyond Global Websites," Mar05). We first formalized the scoring methodology and process, and assessed 16 solutions in "Translation Management Technology" (Dec06) and "Translation Management System Scorecards" (Feb07). We refined our requirements for this sector in "Evolution and Revolution in Translation Management" (May08).

Benefits
In General: 
With so many competing TMS solutions on the market and coming to market, this report helps prospective buyers narrow their focus. By understanding the typology of the TMS category, many systems can be eliminated from consideration right off the bat. By prioritizing selection criteria and then examining the detailed feature completeness scoring of systems in this report, planners can quickly discover the top three candidates to best meet their business and technology requirements.
For Buyers: 
Enterprises will find the most comprehensive systems lined up -- not only as commerical off-the-shelf products, but also as free on-the-house applications delivered by well-known and up-and-comer translation companies.
For Suppliers: 
Language service providers gain competitive advantage by employing workflow automation and other capabilities offered by TMS vendors. They also compete for services against companies that develop proprietary TMS tools in-house.  This report covers commercially available TMS software as well as leading examples of competing house solutions.

Physical Details
Authors: Benjamin B. Sargent and Donald A. DePalma
Date: 16 September 2008
ISBN: 978-1-933555-57-7
Pages: 176

Companies
Across, AIT, Beetext, CrossGap, Elanex, Google, Kilgray, Language Line/Lingo Systems, Language Networks, Language Technology Centre, Lido-Lang/XTRF, LingoTek, Lionbridge, MultiCorpora, Plunet, Prisma, Project-Open, Sajan, SDL, thebigword, Translations.com, XML-INTL

Table of Contents
  • Topic
    • Managing the Translation Supply Chain for Global Business
    • Research Methodology: How We Assessed the TMS Offerings
    • How to Navigate This Report
    • Translation Management Products under Review
  • Analysis
    • TMS Defined
    • Deconstructing Translation Management Solutions
    • How We Assessed the TMS Offerings
    • A Brief Update on the Market
    • Translation: Cross-Language Tools Dominates the Agenda
    • Business: Resource Management Takes Center Stage
    • Enterprise: Systems Aspire to Manage Translation from Cradle to Grave
    • House Solutions: LSPs Provide Most Necessary Features
    • Composite: Partners Harness the Power of Multiple Packages
    • Open-Source: The Community Develops a Solution
    • Support for Corporate Information Sources Underpins TMS Offerings
    • Platform: Where the TMS Lives and How It’s Deployed
    • File Formats: What Actually Gets Translated
    • Content Repositories: Managing Content and Database Stores
    • Integration: Fitting TMS in with Other Applications
    • Conclusions about Translation Management
  • TMS Scorecards
    • Across Language Server
    • AIT Projetex
    • Alchemy Language Exchange
    • Beetext Flow
    • CrossGap FastBiz
    • Elanex EON
    • Kilgray MemoQ
    • Language Line Services/Lingo Systems LingoNET
    • Language Networks Espresso
    • Lido-Lang XTRF Enterprise
    • Lingotek
    • Lionbridge Freeway
    • LTC Worx
    • MultiCorpora MultiTrans
    • Plunet BusinessManager
    • Prisma Online (POL)
    • ]project-open[
    • Sajan GCMS
    • SDL Idiom WorldServer
    • SDL TRADOS Synergy
    • SDL Translation Management System (TMS)
    • thebigword LanguageDirector
    • Translations.com GlobalLink
    • Welocalize GlobalSight
    • XML-INTL XTM