Translation using Across Language Server

As a modern CAT tool, the Across Language Server (ALS) has the following features:

• Translation memory
• Terminology management
• Quality control
• Integration with machine translation

There are some additional features that make Across stand out from the competition:

• Comprehensive project management
• Integration of external translators or partners for simple data exchange
• Data protection for content

There is also a slimmed-down Across Translator Edition for freelancers, which we don’t use.

Use of Across at PTS

We introduced the Across Language Server at PTS as an additional CAT tool in mid-2021. Obviously, we had to familiarise ourselves with the system and figure out how to adapt our workflow to its particularities so that we could work smoothly.

Across Language Server v7 User Interface

We successfully mastered this adaptation phase and our team is now very familiar with Across. This means that we can translate your texts as efficiently as possible.

Through this experience, we became obviously aware of Across' strengths and weaknesses, which are listed below.

Strengths of the Across Language Server

The Across Language Server has several strengths that are particularly important for large clients:

• The management of translation projects is very straightforward from the client's point of view.
• The projects can be transferred to external translators simply at the touch of a button. Data synchronisation is extremely easy.
• Excellent data security. The client can specify very precisely which data is accessible for the translation agency.
• Filter function for quality management, configuration of your own additional controls.
• Connection to machine translation systems (from version 7.0 15980 also Across' own AcrossMT machine translation).
• A web-based portal solution.

Shortcomings of the Across Language Server

Since the introduction of the Across Language Server at PTS as an additional CAT tool, we have also noticed some shortcomings:

• The Across Language Server is less established in translation circles than SDL Trados Studio, for example. It is therefore more difficult to find partners who can accept Across projects.
• Setting up and configuring the Across Language Server can be complicated.
• For new users, the user interface is somewhat unconventional and takes some time to get used to.
• The increased data security can be disadvantageous for the translator, as they cannot easily integrate their own databases into Across, which can affect productivity and quality and result in additional work.
• The performance could be improved, which is particularly noticeable in larger projects and then also has an impact on the stability of the system.

Update 29/4/2024: Following the publication of this article, Across Systems informed us that they improved the user interface in version 8 compared to the version 7 we were using, and that performance has been significantly improved.

Summary

We can summarise here: Like every CAT tool, Across has its own philosophy and therefore requires a certain time for familiarisation.

If you are considering using the Across Language Server or are already using it and are looking for a reliable and experienced partner, especially for precise technical translations, we will be happy to assist you based on the experience we have successfully gained with Across in recent years.