Which CAT tool to invest in? Thread poster: amadill
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Hello all,
I am a freelance translator specialising in patents, an area of translation where CAT tools are frequently not required by LSPs, and I don't currently use one.
Due to contacts I built up in a previous position, I am now receiving requests to arrange translations for multiple-language projects, normally in languages that I can't handle myself. I am therefore managing the projects and sending the work to other freelancers. I am at the stage now where I will re... See more Hello all,
I am a freelance translator specialising in patents, an area of translation where CAT tools are frequently not required by LSPs, and I don't currently use one.
Due to contacts I built up in a previous position, I am now receiving requests to arrange translations for multiple-language projects, normally in languages that I can't handle myself. I am therefore managing the projects and sending the work to other freelancers. I am at the stage now where I will require a CAT tool for materials where repetition is occurring across documents. Therefore, I need to invest in a CAT tool that will allow me to create multiple memories for multi-language projects (sometimes as much as 10-15 languages per project) and send the memories to the chosen translators.
Is there a CAT tool you would recommend that would allow me to do this, at an affordable rate? I spoke to SDL who advised me that Trados Studio Professional is their only version that allows unlimited languages, and it is at a substantial cost. Are there any other CAT tools where the limit on languages is more flexible for setting up multi-lingual projects? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Transit NXT Professional | Sep 24, 2019 |
Transit NXT Professional
For project managers who create projects and send them to translators
For project managers who receive XLIFF and SDLPPX projects from their own clients
For translators who regularly create and carry out their own translation projects
More than 20 standard import filters included
Optional: Filters for DTP formats or software localization
TermStar terminology management system included
Standalone license for 3, 6, or 12 months
... See more Transit NXT Professional
For project managers who create projects and send them to translators
For project managers who receive XLIFF and SDLPPX projects from their own clients
For translators who regularly create and carry out their own translation projects
More than 20 standard import filters included
Optional: Filters for DTP formats or software localization
TermStar terminology management system included
Standalone license for 3, 6, or 12 months
Webshop: https://shop.star-group.net/index.php/language/en/cPath/1_6?XTCsid=gtjjpmutlk9158asno71nn32k4 ▲ Collapse
| | | | Samuel Murray 
Netherlands
Local time: 11:51
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
+ ...
| Most CAT tools | Sep 24, 2019 |
amadill wrote:
Therefore, I need a CAT tool that will allow me to create multiple memories for multi-language projects (sometimes as much as 10-15 languages per project) and send the memories to the chosen translators. ... Trados Studio Professional is their only version that allows unlimited languages, and it is at a substantial cost.
1. It is my understanding that most CAT tools do not limit the number of languages.
2. If you're going to send TMs to translators regularly, you would need to make sure you either send it in a format that they can easily import into their own CAT tool (e.g. TMX), or that you force them to use a CAT tool that is both popular and affordable (or even free). Also note that since different CAT tools perform segmentation and handle tags differently, a TM that is a good match in one CAT tool may yield less good matches in another CAT tool. Also be aware that not all CAT tools that claim to be able to handle TMX can read or import multi-language TMX files, so you may need to send one TM per language instead of one TM for all languages simultaneously.
| | | | | Better exchange XLIFF than TMX files | Sep 24, 2019 |
Samuel Murray wrote:
Also note that since different CAT tools perform segmentation and handle tags differently, a TM that is a good match in one CAT tool may yield less good matches in another CAT tool.
Exactly because of this, I'd advise to exchange XLIFF rather than TMX files.
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Samuel Murray
Netherlands
Local time: 11:51
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
+ ...
| XLIFF vs TMX | Sep 24, 2019 |
Hans Lenting wrote: Samuel Murray wrote:
Since different CAT tools perform segmentation and handle tags differently, a TM that is a good match in one CAT tool may yield less good matches in another CAT tool. Exactly because of this, I'd advise to exchange XLIFF rather than TMX files.
I assume you mean that one should send both XLIFF and TMX files, since although XLIFF files can contain fuzzy matches for the specific segments contained in them, they typically do not contain whole TMs.
I have no opinion about the feasibility of sending XLIFF files. Amadil, in a scenario where XLIFF files are sent, it means that you (the project manager) converts the original source files to XLIFF and then send the XLIFF files (not the original source files) to the translators to translate. (You can also send the original source files, as reference, but the idea is that the translator translates the XLIFF file in a CAT tool that can handle XLIFF files.) When going the XLIFF route, it is important to determine if each translator's CAT tool can handle the XLIFF file appropriately (some CAT tools handle XLIFF only in a limited, roundabout way).
| | | | | | Drew MacFadyen
United States
Local time: 05:51
Spanish to English
+ ...
| ProZ.com Business membership includes Protemos project management & two floating CafeTran licenses | Sep 24, 2019 |
You might review whether or not ProZ.com Business Plus membership is a good solution - https://www.proz.com/business-membership
Business Plus membership includes Protemos a fully functioning Agency/project management software as well as two professional memberships that you can assign to your outsourced freelancers on a floating basis which includes CafeTran a fully functioning CAT ... See more You might review whether or not ProZ.com Business Plus membership is a good solution - https://www.proz.com/business-membership
Business Plus membership includes Protemos a fully functioning Agency/project management software as well as two professional memberships that you can assign to your outsourced freelancers on a floating basis which includes CafeTran a fully functioning CAT Tool.
Good luck with the transition and your new business endeavors.
Regards,
Drew ▲ Collapse
| | | | Dan Lucas
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:51
Member (2014)
Japanese to English
| Risk and investment | Sep 25, 2019 |
amadill wrote:
Is there a CAT tool you would recommend that would allow me to do this, at an affordable rate? I spoke to SDL who advised me that Trados Studio Professional is their only version that allows unlimited languages, and it is at a substantial cost.
I'm normally the guy urging people to bite the bullet and invest in the tools that save them the most time. Even so, the £2,195 for which SDL lists the Professional version is a bit intimidating, especially if you are only beginning the transition from freelancer to (in effect) a very small boutique agency.
One could rationalise it as being paid for by your next large freelance project, but it's still a bit of a risk. If you decide that this kind of coordinating role is not for you, it would be a waste of money. I think you're right to be wary.
It would be interesting, six or 12 months from now, to see how it has all turned out for you.
Regards,
Dan
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amadill
United Kingdom
TOPIC STARTER | Which CAT tool to invest in? | Sep 25, 2019 |
Thanks all for your input. Time to make a decision!
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