Ask ChatGPT – December 14, 2023

My Conversations with ChatGPT
Machine Translation (MT) and translations generated by AI have brought about a paradigm shift in the translation industry. The output of MT will continue to improve, especially when associated with clients’ translation memories and human editing. Language Service Providers are adapting and are including MT in their processes, when MT is applicable. While linguists will continue to be essential in the process, their role will shift from that of translators to validators of content generated by MT. At Excel Translations, we wanted to know what AI thinks about all of this and decided to have an open conversation on the matter with ChatGPT. I will regularly publish a question and ChatGPT’s response, uncensored.

QUESTION 91:

Will Trados continue to be the leading CAT tool for LSP’s in 2024?

Chat GPT’s Response:

Predicting the future trajectory of specific software products can be challenging, and my information only extends up until January 2022. As of my last update, SDL Trados Studio was a widely used and respected CAT tool in the translation industry.

Whether SDL Trados Studio will continue to be the leading CAT tool for LSPs in 2024 depends on several factors, including:

1. Product Development: The ongoing development and enhancement of SDL Trados Studio will play a crucial role. If the software continues to evolve with features that meet the changing needs of LSPs, it may maintain its popularity.
2. Competition: Other CAT tool providers may introduce innovative features or improvements that attract users away from SDL Trados Studio. The competitive landscape can shift based on the offerings of different tools.
3. User Preferences: LSPs often choose CAT tools based on their specific requirements and the preferences of their translators. If other tools better align with these preferences, there could be a shift in usage patterns.
4. Industry Trends: Changes in industry trends, such as increased demand for specific language pairs, integration capabilities, or support for new technologies, can influence the popularity of CAT tools.

To assess the current situation and make an informed decision for 2024, it’s advisable to:

• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on industry news, reviews, and updates from CAT tool providers to understand the latest developments.
• Trial and Feedback: Conduct trials of different CAT tools and gather feedback from users within your organization or network to understand their experiences and preferences.
• Evaluate Needs: Consider your specific requirements, such as language support, collaboration features, integration capabilities, and pricing.
• Community Insights: Engage with the translation community, attend industry events, and participate in forums to gain insights into the current trends and preferences.

As of my last update, SDL Trados Studio had a strong presence, but the landscape can change. Always consider the latest information and the specific needs of your organization when making decisions about CAT tools.