INSIDER: What are the two most critical issues facing the language technology industry right now?

The industry has been unable to develop or adhere to standards such as TMX, TBX or XLIFF.

The first is its lack of definition as an industry – it remains far too fragmented, and as a result, risks being absorbed by the Content Management sector – which, as an example, is where IDC reports it.

The second issue is its inability to develop or adhere to standards such as TMX, TBX or XLIFF. The use and adaptation of these standards on a broader scale will eventually make the localization process more uniform and much easier for consumers to manage.

INSIDER: Where are the new growth sectors for the language technology industry today?

In other vertical markets outside of IT, the adoption and use of language technology is still far behind.

The industry should remain focused on its ongoing penetration of vertical markets, such as the automotive and (growing) pharmaceutical sectors, where the adoption and use of language technology is still far behind where it is today in IT.

INSIDER: What technical or business process standards will drive the industry forward? Where do open standards fit in?

I predict that TBX will move to the forefront.

I predict that TBX will move to the forefront, as global business comes to grips with requirements for open term bases in all industry sectors. The lack of such a standard today is creating difficulties for exporters because it prevents EDI from meeting language needs. This problem has simply been exacerbated as much of the trade and transport process has moved onto the internet.

INSIDER: Why have you joined the LISA Board?

I want to contribute to LISA at the strategic level.

Because I have both a vested interest in LISA, and a deep and abiding belief in the growing success of this industry. I want to contribute to LISA at the strategic level, in addition to serving as its outsourcing partner.

INSIDER: What should LISA’s three top objectives be for the next twelve months?

• Continue to focus on developing Strategic Alliances with other associations.
• Become more involved in country and government language programs.
• Provide easier member/web access to LISA archives by consolidating and packaging this valuable repository of industry knowledge.

INSIDER: As an industry association, what three concrete actions can LISA take right now to better meet the needs of its two main constituencies, clients and service providers?

• Develop standard guidelines for both clients and vendors to use during the contracting process.
• Assist Members in establishing regional LISA events and programs.
• Launch the MAP, LISA’s global business directory, to the general public.

INSIDER: If the Board (along with LISA members) is successful, how will LISA be different eighteen months from now?

LISA will have achieved a much broader reach by highlighting the requirement for language and language technologies through liaisons with other industry trade groups, governments and educational institutions. This will result in an expanded membership, which will in turn increase the association’s revenues and thus its ability to implement additional programs, drive standards and further develop its repository of industry.