OpenTMS
| Company type | Open-source software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software, Translation memory |
| Predecessor | Forum Open Language Tools (FOLT) |
| Founder | Klemens Waldhor, Rainer Kemmler |
| Fate | Merged into OpenTM2 as plugin/server module |
| Successor | OpenTM2 |
| Headquarters | Germany |
Area served | Global |
Key people | Klemens Waldhor, Rainer Kemmler |
| Products | Translation memory platform |
| Website | sourceforge |
openTMS (Open Source Translation Management System) is a no-cost, open-source translation memory platform developed entirely on open standards. It prioritizes compatibility by utilizing standards such as XLIFF, TMX, and TBX to facilitate smooth transfer of translation and localization information. With a highly modular design, openTMS can be tailored to fit a wide range of translation workflows.
Software Architecture
The architecture of openTMS is composed of multiple fundamental models, each dedicated to particular facets of the translation workflow:
- Security model: Oversees access permissions and safeguards communication channels along with data components within files.
- Document model: Concentrates on primary documents like XLIFF and TMX, which are critical outputs in translation processes.
- Process model: Executes core functionalities including converters and translation memory lookup mechanisms.
- User model: Defines users and processes with assigned permissions, closely linked to security protocols.
- Data model: Manages data storage through generalized data sources, accommodating formats ranging from plain text to SQL databases.
- GUI model: Specifies editors and graphical user interface features (explained separately).
- Interface model: Supports extensions and system integrations such as CMS platforms, web servers, and scripting environments.
- Application model: Coordinates software applications that carry out translation tasks and manages real-world application workflows.
The data model is compatible with several data sources like TMX files, XLIFF files, and SQL databases, each conforming to standardized interfaces. Access to openTMS functionality is provided via Java APIs or an XML-RPC server, enabling seamless incorporation into larger localization infrastructures.
History
The origin of OpenTMS traces back to the Forum Open Language Tools (FOLT), a consortium of providers specializing in translation and documentation services. Its initial focus was on producing guidelines and white papers advocating for a free/open-source software solution based on open standards and modular design for Translation Memory systems. FOLT's mission was to promote standardized exchange formats, avoid proprietary software constraints, and pilot innovative translation technologies amid increasing globalization. It covered the entire multilingual documentation lifecycle—from source text creation through target language output—while identifying inefficiencies and gaps in existing standards.
Subsequently, developers Klemens Waldhor and Rainer Kemmler created a cross-platform, web-based OpenTMS system in Germany, written in Java. This implementation provided fundamental translation memory capabilities such as pre-translation, concordance searches, and configurable match thresholds. The original system has since been retired and merged into OpenTM2 as a plugin or server module for translation memory functions. OpenTM2 itself evolved from IBM Translation Manager into an enterprise-grade translation workbench tailored for professional translators.
Software Requirements
openTMS is developed in Java and requires Java version 1.5 or higher running on Linux, Mac OS X, or Microsoft Windows. The software is distributed under the EPL (Eclipse Public License).
Releases
openTMS is available for download on SourceForge: [openTMS project page http://sourceforge.net/projects/open-tms]
The following versions can be obtained:
- A Sun VirtualBox virtual machine featuring a php-driven Web Graphical user interface: [openTMS VM http://www.opentms.de/?q=node/29]
- A Windows Installer package that includes the XML-RPC server component: [openTMS Windows Installer http://www.heartsome.de/arayatest/opentmsserver.exe]
- An edition integrated within the Araya XLIFF Editor: [Araya XLIFF Editor with openTMS plugin Windows Installer http://www.heartsome.de/en/freearaya.php]
External links
- Detailed architecture overview: openTMS Architecture – Waldhör, K., 2008. OPENTMS SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE, Roßtal, 29 August 2008.
- Official FOLT website