Loren, all There is a book called Localization and Framemaker that explains the basics of localization, tells you how to find, screen, and hire the RIGHT vendor for the work you are doing, what you need to provide to the vendor to get a good estimate for your job, how to work with the vendor, and explains what the vendor can actually do for you. It explains the localization process (what the vendor does with your files) and contains a table of prices that you can use to get a fairly good idea of how much you can expect to pay for their services. The book is a 24-page pdf file that you can download free from http://www.bapmf.net/resources/2000_localization_FM/locindex.html
Note that ALL localization vendors can take a set of FM files and give you the same set of FM files back, translated into as many target languages as you desire. Incidentally, Trados is a company based here in the Silicon Valley, not an application. Trados makes a set of software tools, including the S-tagger and the Translators Workbench, that is the industry standard toolset today. But it is not the only set of tools on the market and some vendors use other tools instead, including home-grown ones. Some of these tools are compatible with each other and some are not. When you talk to the vindor, find out which toolset they use and ask about compatibility with the Trados toolset, and particularly about the TM. TM = translation memory - a database that stores translated words, phrases, and paragraphs. Using the TM is optional, and little more expensive if they use it to start with, but can save you a lot of $ when upgrading your docs, online help, software, etc. They just pull the already translated text out of the TM and add the changes. BTW, the data in the TM is something that you own, not the vendor, and they should give it to you when the job is finished. That way, if you change vendors, you can continue from where you left off and not pay to have the whole doc translated again. Hope this helps. Diane ========= -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Stephen O'Brien Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2006 7:44 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Loren R. Elks'; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: 'Framers List' Subject: RE: Framemaker and Translation Hi Steve, I've been reading this thread with interest as our documentation (FM) is going to be translated into German and Japonese starting in January 2007. The people at the other end are distributors who are going to have to put together an efficient workflow. You mention in your comment being able to provide details...I am very interested... Thanks. At 10:45 AM 6/6/2006, Steve Wiseman wrote: >We use translators that can take the FM files and return them as FM files >including any marker and conditional text in the document. If you want >details, please let me know. We have been happy with the results. I >recommend them as they use translators in the destination country rather >than locals from here. > >For your information, they use an application called Trados that imports MIF >files. > >Best regards, >Steve > > >Steve Wiseman > >CEO, Context Documentation and Interactive Services > >Official MIF2GO Resellers and Trainers > >www.context.co.il > >Tel (Isr): +972-2-999-7816 > > (UK): +44-845-244-7802 > > Mob: +972-522-341-957 > >Skype: zusman > > >-----Original Message----- >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of >Loren R. Elks >Sent: 06 June 2006 15:02 >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Cc: Framers List >Subject: Framemaker and Translation > >We are beginning to have to get our manuals and documentation translated. >What's the best way to set up this workflow. > >For example, do we develop in FM, then output to another format (say >RTF,etc), the translators use this format, we get it back, then convert back >with FM? > > >Sincerely, >Loren > > > > >** To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ** >** with "unsubscribe framers" (no quotes) in the body. ** > >-- >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG Free Edition. >Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.2/356 - Release Date: 05/06/2006 > > >-- >No virus found in this outgoing message. >Checked by AVG Free Edition. >Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.2/356 - Release Date: 05/06/2006 > > > >** To unsubscribe, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ** >** with "unsubscribe framers" (no quotes) in the body. ** Stephen O'Brien Documentation/Technical Writer InnovMetric Logiciels (Software) Inc. 1-418-688-2061 _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/dgcaller%40earthlink.net Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
