CMS Integration Case Study

Question:
How does one of the world's largest IT providers translate an unpredictable volume of content using two different Content Management Systems?

Answer:
thebigword

Background

IBM Systems and Technology Group needed their marketing material and web content to be translated in a consistent and cost-effective manner. This project was particularly complex in that IBM use two different Content Management Systems (CMS). Stibo STEP provides a completely serviced content management solution whilst Interwoven's TeamSite CMS manages IBM's website content.

IBM had to manage regular updates of new English content that required translation into seven core languages.

The Challenge

IBM was looking for an innovative translation solution that could be integrated with both of their Content Management Systems. They also needed a dynamic product to cope with the changing demands in workflow. One of IBM's key requirements was that time-critical content had to be communicated on time, regardless of language.

The large volumes and rapidly changing content combined with the multilingual demands of IBM's target market created a secondary focus. thebigword subsequently considered how IBM were to manage a translation spend with unpredictable linguistic demands.

IBM needed a solution that could be consistently integrated with both Stibo STEP and Interwoven TeamSite. This would ensure a reduced number of manual steps in the translation process, thereby reducing the overall turnaround time.

As part of the overall process, the translations had to be sent to IBM's own reviewers for validation. Delays were a regular occurrence as reviewers would have other responsibilities and were not always able to prioritise translated files.

IBM's content review process needed streamlining. Existing processes sometimes required six stages of content and layout proof reading as reviewers were not able to distinguish between previously reviewed text and newly translated text, adding to their workload.

The Solution

thebigword proposed a solution using the Content Management System integration component that sits within LanguageDirector™ Enterprise. This flexible solution enables the integration of translation services into both Content Management Systems simultaneously. Its nonintrusive translation Web Service receives CMS-initiated translation requests and automatically returns completed translations back to the CMS, whilst allowing IBM to track translations via a web-based management tool.

thebigword also streamlined the IBM review process by introducing SmartReview™. This web-based translation review tool displays source and target text in parallel, so the reviewer can see the original text alongside its translation. The system also indicates previously reviewed material by colour coding the text and the translation memory match levels. This allows the reviewer to focus on new translations. The reviewer's amends are captured directly into the SmartReview™ tool, speeding up incorporation into the final version and updating translation memory automatically.

The Benefits

Implementing both LanguageDirector™ Enterprise technology and SmartReview™ meant that IBM's translation turnaround times were reduced greatly decreasing time-to market.

The SmartReview™ tool also improved the reviewing process by reducing the review stages and decreasing resource demand. By incorporating a translation memory it also improved translation consistency and eliminated excessive expenditure on translation.

Why thebigword?

thebigword's SmartReview™ technology provides context to the translated material, improving the review process for the client. thebigword's proven track record with other IBM business units and the flexibility of LanguageDirector™ Enterprise made thebigword the natural choice for IBM's translation requirements.