1. What kind of benefit am I likely to receive from an external translation memory?

2. How can I make sure that the translation memory database adheres to my linguistic standards?

3. What formats are the translation memory databases supplied in?

4. Do I have to purchase a license for all language combinations of a multilingual database?

5. Can I purchase a license for a subset of a translation memory?

6. Can I resell the translation memories?

7. Can I merge the licensed translation memories with my existing translation memories?

8. Does my license to the translation memory include automatic updates?

9. Is there a time limit to the license?

10. How much does purchasing a translation memory license cost?

11. Can you help me to integrate the translation memories into my workflow, or can you help me to set up a workflow from scratch?

1. What kind of benefit am I likely to receive from an external translation memory?

First of all, because the translation memories are industry-specifically categorized, there will be significant overlap between the subject area of your translation and that of the external translation memory. While it is unlikely that you will have large passages of your translation pre-translated with perfect matches, you should view the translation memory primarily as a linguistic resource that will allow you to unify your terminology with that of the owner of the database.

All major translation memory tools offer a feature that is generally known as a "concordance search," i.e., the ability to look for a particular term or phrase within the context of a translation segment. This is one way to quickly access the linguistic wealth of an external database.

Another more sophisticated manner of mining terminology from existing translation memories is with the help of term extraction tools, such as TRADOS® TermExtract®, SDLPhraseFinder®, or MultiTrans®. These tools allow you to quickly assemble glossaries from existing bi- or multilingual translation memories.

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2. How can I make sure that the translation memory database adheres to my linguistic standards?

Every translation memory that is traded on TM Marketplace is accompanied by a Quality Assurance Certificate (QAC) which outlines the status of translation, editing, proofreading, and publication status of the linguistic material in the database. While this is only a guideline to the quality of the translation memory, in combination with the reputation of the corporate owner it should give you a fairly good idea of the state of the database.

Also, before you make a decision to purchase a license for a translation memory from TM Marketplace, we will supply you with a representative extract from the translation memory so that your linguists can make an educated decision based on the quality of those translation units.

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3. What formats are the translation memory databases supplied in?

The translation memories are supplied in any commercially available or any accepted exchange format. TM Marketplace will guarantee the structural integrity of the delivered translation memories.

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4. Do I have to purchase a license for all language combinations of a multilingual database?

No. You can choose any of the available language combinations for any of the available translation memory databases.

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5. Can I purchase a license for a subset of a translation memory?

Yes. You can purchase a license for a clearly definable subset of the database. This means that it is possible to purchase a license for a translation memory that contains translation for only one or a group of products, a certain division, etc. However, it is not possible to purchase a license for a subset of a translation memory without any clearly defining metadata. For instance, it is not possible to purchase a license for a subset based on the date or a certain percentage of the translation memory.

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6. Can I resell the translation memories?

No. The translation memories are licensed to you only; it is not permitted to sub-license or resell the translation memories in any form.

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7. Can I merge the licensed translation memories with my existing translation memories?

No, you cannot. While it is possible to mark the licensed data so it can be distinguished from other content, you will need to keep the translation memories separate. All major tools support the use of several simultaneous translation memories.

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8. Does my license to the translation memory include automatic updates?

TM Marketplace will inform you as soon as there are any updates to your particular translation memory available, but you will have to newly license any available updates.

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9. Is there a time limit to the license?

No, there is no time limit to the license. It can, however, be nullified if the contract between you and the owner is violated.

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10. How much does purchasing a translation memory license cost?

The actual cost of the translation memory is based on the  number of translation units. Because TM Marketplace only serves as a broker,  the translation unit price is determined by the owner of the translation  memory (based on a recommendation from TM  Marketplace).

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11. Can you help me to integrate the translation memories into my workflow, or can you help me to set up a workflow from scratch?

Yes, we would be glad to help you with that. We offer either remote or on-site assistance. For more information, contact service@tmmarketplace.com.

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