What about the translators at the ITS?
We have both professional translators and freelance translators, who are at least with the university degrees while many have Master or Doctorate degrees. Besides their language skills, ITS translators have relevant professional backgrounds.

What translation software does the ITS use?
We use Trados in our translation to improve efficiency and reduce our clients' translation costs. As a Translation Memory Software, Trados stores and accumulates previously translated words and sentences in a database so that the same sentences do not have to be translated repeatedly. It is particularly useful when a considerable part of the document contains sentences or terminologies, such as standardized contracts, product updates, etc. Trados improves a translator's accuracy, productivity and consistency.

What about the desktop publishing applications used by the ITS?
Our desktop specialists use the following applications:
Word for Windows
WordPerfect
Adobe PageMaker
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe FrameMaker
Freehand
QuarkXPress including Asian software
Corel (Click & Create, Draw, Ventura)
Microsoft PowerPoint

What electronic transfers are available?
We have our own e-mail system and FTP site. You can also use QQ to transfer documents if you so desire.

How do you ensure safe delivery of documents over the Internet?
As an Internet-based translation company, we offer maximum security for the transfer and delivery of your documents. We use SSL, the most advanced encryption technology in the world. Documents that are uploaded or downloaded are encoded and people without authorization cannot access them.

Can I monitor the project when it is in progress?
We welcome all clients to monitor the progress of their projects. This is realized through our website. Clients can contact us directly and find how fast and well the project is proceeding.

Will machine translation eventually replace human translators?
Although much progress has been made in the research and development of computer-assisted translation tools, no breakthrough has been made in the creation of a machine that provides accurate, clear and understandable translations. The main barrier lies in the complexity of human language, for example, the meanings of words are usually context-specific and the same word means different things under different linguistic circumstances. So far only human intelligence can tell the difference. However, machines do help to lighten the load of translation: Some documents can first be translated by a machine, and then proofread and edited by a competent translator. It saves energy and reduces costs, especially when the text is repetitive. For now, translators don't need to worry about losing their jobs, as machines are unlikely to replace human translators in the future.

How is the cost of a translation calculated?
Basically, the cost of a translation is calculated by the actual words translated, and the number of words is calculated in the Microsoft Word System. Other factors you need to take into consideration include degree of complexity of the material, time frame, and languages involved (more exotic languages cost more). It is common practice that the source language (meaning the language translated"from") word count determines the cost. Translation cost differs from one company to another.

What methods of delivery are available at the ITS?
Our clients can choose any one of the following methods of delivery provided by the ITS:
1) Fax
2) E-mail
3) Courier
4) Post