CAT Tool Comparison: What Should You Consider?

Table of Contents

• 1. What is Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) Tool?
• 2. CAT Tool Comparison
• 3. Examples of Representative CAT Tools
• 4. Summary

1. What is Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) Tool?

In translation work, multiple people are involved, such as project managers (coordinators), translators, and reviewers (checkers). Among them, translation support tools are used to specifically support the work of translators and reviewers, and to improve the efficiency and quality of translation work. These tools are also known as CAT tools (Computer-Assisted Translation tools). They generally have functions such as translation memory, machine translation, terminology glossary, and quality checks. Representative products include Phrase TMS (formerly known as Memsource) from Phrase and Trados Studio from RWS. For more details, please refer to the blog post "What are CAT tools? Explanation of benefits and drawbacks" (https://www.science.co.jp/nmt/blog/31230/).

On the other hand, there is also something called a translation management system. A translation management system is designed to assist project managers. It provides functions such as schedule management for translation work, centralized management of work data, and process automation. Representative products include Phrase TMS from Phrase and Trados GroupShare from RWS (Phrase TMS is both a translation support tool and a translation management system). For more details, please refer to the blog post "What is a Translation Management System?" (https://www.science.co.jp/nmt/blog/31076/).

The process of using CAT tools is as follows:
1. Prepare the document file to be translated.
2. Load the document file into the translation support tool.
3. Translate on the editing screen using translation memory, machine translation, terminology, and quality check functions.
4. Generate a file in the original file format from the translated text.

2. CAT Tool Comparison

There are two types of CAT tools: cloud-based and local-based. With cloud-based tools, translation work is done using a web browser and all translation data is stored in the cloud. A popular product for cloud-based tools is Phrase TMS. With local-based tools, dedicated software is installed on a local computer and translation work is done using that software. Translation data is stored on the computer. A popular product for local-based tools is Trados Studio.

One of the benefits of cloud-based services is that there is no need to install dedicated software on your computer, and you can start translating immediately as long as you have a web browser. Additionally, since translation data is stored in the cloud, there is no need for file exchange between the project manager and translator. Files are centrally managed and secure. Furthermore, it has high compatibility with other cloud services, allowing for exchange of translation data and coordination of processes.

One of the disadvantages of cloud-based services is that a stable and high-speed internet connection must be prepared as it requires constant internet access. Without an internet connection, work cannot be done. (Note: In the case of Phrase TMS, a dedicated software called Memsource Editor is available, which can be installed on a computer and allows work to be done even without an internet connection.)

One of the benefits of using a local base is that once you receive the working file, you no longer need an internet connection. Additionally, if your computer has high performance, you can work more comfortably than with a cloud-based system. Furthermore, there are many available extensions, such as MTrans for Trados, which can be downloaded from the RWS AppStore for Trados Studio, and you can also develop your own custom extensions.

One of the disadvantages of using a local base is the need to install dedicated software, which incurs costs for purchasing the software. In addition, there is a need for file exchange between the project manager and the translator. This involves using email, FTP, cloud storage services, etc. and there is a possibility of accidentally sending an old file or losing a file locally. There are also security concerns. However, Trados Studio has recently added cloud functionality, which eliminates the disadvantages of file exchange and security concerns.

3. Examples of Representative CAT Tools

As CAT tools, the representative products are Phrase TMS and Trados Studio. We have summarized the features of each in the table below.

 

	Phrase TMS	Trados Studio
Cloud/Local	The basics are in the cloud	Basic is local
Translation Memory	○	○
Machine Translation	○	○
Glossary	○	○
Quality Check	○	○
Integration with Other Cloud Services	○	Not good
Extensions	Not good	○
Purchase Method	Subscription	Purchase
Initial Investment	Small amount	High Price
Translator Account	Included in the PM account, available for free	Specialized software Purchase required
Currency	Dollar-denominated	Yen-denominated

4. Summary

At our company, we utilize the expertise we have accumulated as a translation company to assist with the implementation of Phrase TMS. We also offer machine translation solutions, MTrans for Phrase TMS and MTrans for Trados, which allow the use of machine translation services such as DeepL, Google, Microsoft, and NAVER Papago with Phrase TMS and Trados. Please feel free to contact us.

 

Related Services

MTrans for Phrase TMS
MTrans for Trados