Attending a proprietary conference is always a refreshing change from a general conference on language and technology. Since everyone can focus on what the tools can actually do, discuss where they may need improvement and see where they are going, there is more of a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.
Opening the day was a rather eye-opening presentation on machine translation. Focusing on the advances in the industry, the growth of machine translation is predicted to have a much larger influence on our lives within 5 years. Basically, it can’t be ignored any longer.
Interoperability with various tools is also a key element of the conference. Unlike some other tools on the market, memoQ doesn’t appear to try to be the only tool its customers own, but realistically approaches the interoperability between various programs, processing of various data formats and the ability to work with translators who use different tools without major headaches.
Just as the tool approach is open and innovative, the day wrapped up on the subject of innovation in business and the importance of different business models and approaches to be successful in the future.
But, when in Rome …