‘Welocalize’ joins Centre for Next Generation Localisation at DCU

23 Feb 2011

Ireland’s status as world leader in software localisation was reinforced today, as translation supply-chain management multinational, Welocalize, Inc., announced it is to join the Centre for Next Generation Localisation (CNGL) at DCU as industry partner.

The partnership will see the two organisations collaborate to address key challenges in localisation – a significant value-adding, multiplier component of the global software and content distribution industry.

With today’s investment, Welocalize becomes CNGL’s tenth full industry partner. Welocalize supports open standards and developed GlobalSight, a collaborative, open-source initiative to develop a flexible and sustainable translation management system (TMS) that leverages and addresses the shared needs of the industry.

“We strongly believe that our partnership with Welocalize will enable us to continue producing breakthrough technologies that help companies to adapt their products and services to the needs of global users,” Josef van Genabith, director of CNGL, explained.

“CNGL’s strong commercialisation model has already resulted in a strong flow of invention disclosures, patent applications and licensing agreements. We are confident that our collaboration with Welocalize will prove equally fruitful for both parties,” he said.

Lost in translation

Language barriers constitute a formidable obstacle to the free flow of information, products and services in an increasingly globalised economy and information society.

To overcome these barriers, the Centre for Next Generation Localisation (CNGL) brings together academic researchers and industry experts to conduct ground-breaking research into next-generation localisation.

This process involves the adaptation of digital content to culture, location and linguistic environment. CNGL’s more than 100 researchers at Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and University of Limerick are enabling people to interact with digital content, products and services in their own language, according to their own culture, and according to their own personal needs.

“Collaboration between Welocalize and the CNGL has already generated significant research outcomes and we are thrilled to offer our technology platform and support to the university,” says Smith Yewell, CEO and founder of Welocalize.

“We firmly believe that formalising our productive relationship with the CNGL will accelerate industry advancements in order to revolutionise the industry,” Yewell said.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com