Trados launched this year’s first major salvo in the desktop translation memory sector. Noteworthy enhancements pivot off enterprise integration isssues (an open XML approach supporting XLIFF, conditional XML, and DITA — the last to trump Idiom); globalization support (complete Unicode support and enhanced TMX compliance); support for multiple termbases; and support for more languages. Of course, it’s easier to use.

As the leading translation memory tool supplier, Trados alternates with SDL and others in upping the ante for this market. Version 7 looks like a powerful tool, but Trados has had a tough time in the past convincing its installed base to upgrade to new versions. Cost remains an issue for many freelancers. We still think that a US$99 plug-in for freelancers would change the dynamics of this market.