Computer-assisted translation (CAT) software is developed by a variety of companies, ranging from large, established software corporations to smaller, specialized firms. These tools encompass a wide range of functionalities, including translation memory, terminology management, machine translation, and quality assurance features. For example, a project manager might use a CAT tool to analyze a text for repetitions and leverage previous translations, while a translator might use it to maintain consistency in terminology across multiple projects.
The development and availability of these applications have profoundly impacted the translation industry, improving efficiency, consistency, and overall quality. Historically, translation was a largely manual process. The advent of these technologies has allowed for greater productivity and has facilitated collaboration between translators, reviewers, and project managers. This improved workflow enables faster turnaround times for projects and a more standardized approach to translation, benefiting both clients and linguists.
