Featured Archives - Interpro Translation Solutions https://www.interproinc.com/category/featured/ Professional Translation Services | World-Class Language Services to Effectively Reach Your Multilingual Audience Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:07:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.interproinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-ITS-ball-32x32.png Featured Archives - Interpro Translation Solutions https://www.interproinc.com/category/featured/ 32 32 AI in Translation: Interpro’s Consent-First Policy for Quality, Privacy, and Transparency https://www.interproinc.com/interpros-ai-translation-policy-for-ethical-transparent-use/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:50:04 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=7839 AI can enhance the efficiency of translation workflows when included as part of a transparent strategy between translation provider and client, and paired with human oversight and ethical practices. This article outlines Interpro’s approach to translating with AI to keep our clients informed of its advantages and disadvantages.  Interpro will not use AI for translation…

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AI can enhance the efficiency of translation workflows when included as part of a transparent strategy between translation provider and client, and paired with human oversight and ethical practices. This article outlines Interpro’s approach to translating with AI to keep our clients informed of its advantages and disadvantages.  Interpro will not use AI for translation unless specifically approved for use by our clients.

AI Translation is Changing the Industry

Artificial intelligence is transforming the translation industry. While machine translation tools have been around since the 1950s, more modern technology, such as DeepL, are increasingly becoming part of daily business workflows. For companies aiming to scale multilingual content quickly and affordably, AI offers a tempting promise: speed, accessibility, and cost savings. But this efficiency comes with caveats. 

Teams are all asking the same questions about AI translation:

  • Do we still need human translators?
  • Will AI translation affect pricing?
  • How do I know if AI was used to translate my content?
  • What are the risks of using AI for translation?
  • Can I opt out of AI translation?
  • How can we take advantage of AI translation but make sure it’s accurate?

Jump to:

Without consultative expertise and human linguistic oversight, AI translations can easily compromise brand integrity, introduce errors, or expose organizations to legal risk. As demand for AI-assisted translation grows, so does the need for transparency from your translation service provider to disclose when AI is used in translation, ensure the translation output is of high-quality, and that it reflects the original message intent.

Definition: An ethical AI translation policy is a consent-first, transparent approach that discloses when AI will be used, protects data privacy, and requires human review to ensure linguistic quality and brand integrity.

Why transparency matters now:

Clients deserve to know when AI is in the loop, what it will do, and how their data will be protected. Risk-based adoption and clear disclosure align with global guidance on trustworthy AI and transparency obligations (e.g., EU AI Act Article 50; NIST AI RMF). Interpro’s stance is simple: no AI without consent, ever.

Interpro’s Ethical AI Translation Policy (what it means in practice)

Read Interpro’s complete AI translation policy, but here’s what it means:

Informed consent & disclosure

  • We discuss AI options during intake and document your decision. No AI is used without your written approval.
  • We specify scope (content types, languages, risk level) and expected review steps.

Human-in-the-loop (MTPE)

  • Our professional linguists post-edit any AI output to ensure accuracy, fluency, tone, and brand voice.
  • We make recommendations based on the AI services to build a responsible workflow by knowing when AI fits (and when it doesn’t).

Data protection & platform selection

  • We only use professional translation tools for security and protection of your private materials; we do not send confidential data to public models.
  • Translators are evaluated for security certifications and data handling (e.g., ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2; HIPAA when applicable)
  • We log consent decisions, system choices, and QA outcomes for auditability.

Mitigating AI Translation Risk: How to Choose an Ethical Partner

If you’re seeking to implement AI translation into your localization workflow, consider the following risks of using AI for translation, and ensure your provider meets your expectations.

Transparency

Clients and internal stakeholders should always be informed when AI is part of the translation process. Transparency builds trust and sets realistic expectations for quality, especially when AI output is enhanced by human post-editing. 

We’ve seen time and time again that AI is appropriate for some things and not for others. Some content types, such as those found in technical documents, do very well with AI translation. A translation partner like Interpro will be able to provide recommendations on when AI translation is a cost or time-efficient solution.

How do I know if AI was used to translate?

It can be difficult to know if AI was used to produce a translation, especially if you don’t speak the native language. It is much easier and more important to work with a language partner that is transparent and discloses their AI translation policy before work begins.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Professional translation agencies should protect sensitive, proprietary, and confidential content and only translate using secure, controlled AI models within a closed-loop workflow.

Interpro only uses industry standard AI translation technology that keeps your confidential information secure. Our team operates as if we are under an NDA, even if there is not one in place, and that extends to our AI translation technology too.

We don’t ever recommend placing confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information into a public AI model. Translating with AI platforms like ChatGPT may result in your information being saved for model improvement unless data-sharing is explicitly disabled. For regulated industries this can introduce compliance risks. 

Machine Translation Post Editing (Human Linguist Review)

AI is not a replacement for professional translation. Rather, it is a tool that can support the work of expert linguists. Human-in-the-loop workflows are essential for:

  • Cultural nuance: AI doesn’t fully grasp idiomatic expressions, regional sensitivities, or audience expectations the way a trained linguist does.
  • Accuracy: AI may often translate basic terms incorrectly particularly in technical, medical, or legal contexts.
  • Consistency: Training AI models on specific terminology across documents and campaigns.

At Interpro, every project involving AI includes thorough machine translation post-editing (MTPE) by professional, human linguists.

Our team evaluates raw machine output for meaning, fluency, tone, and brand voice. MTPE corrects errors and enhances clarity. We also apply domain-specific knowledge to ensure the final translation is not just technically correct, but formatted for your file type or platform.

Do I need human translators?

The role of the professional human translator is shifting, but professional experts who can manage the AI translation process are still critical.

AI Translation Pricing

One of the most common reasons organizations explore AI-assisted translation is price. And it’s true: under the right circumstances, AI translation can reduce costs. But understanding when and where those savings actually apply is key.

At Interpro, we’ve seen that long-term translation strategies have always offered clients meaningful cost savings. These efficiencies have been a hallmark of professional translation services for decades. Strategic partnership paired with AI translation workflows generally results in cost savings that compounds over time. 

AI-assisted translation can be a great fit and cost-effective choice for many industries, content types, or languages. Our team will help you navigate your AI service options to make the best quality and cost effective solution.

At Interpro, our goal is to help you make informed decisions to help you choose the right translation service for your project. We’ll show you when AI translation offers real savings and when a traditional approach is a better investment. And as always, we’ll help you plan ahead to make your long-term translation strategy more cost-effective.

Brand Alignment

Language is an extension of your brand. AI doesn’t know your company’s style guide, tone, or preferred terminology. Without strategic guidance, AI-generated content can dilute your message or offend in a different language.

Best Practices for Brand Alignment when using AI:
  • Use custom glossaries and style guides to inform AI prompts.
  • Train the AI technology to generate translations that require less human-review over time.
  • Implement a review process that includes brand managers and native speaker reviewers.

Interpro supports clients by offering translation glossary and style guide development to support voice consistency, even when AI tools are used in the translation workflow. 

AI and Sustainability

To support AI translation services, Interpro uses industry-standard AI translation technology. AI has made translation workflows faster and more scalable, but it also raises important questions about energy consumption and sustainability. At Interpro, we occasionally receive inquiries about the environmental impact of using AI translation tools. While we are not an authority on AI sustainability research, we understand that this is an emerging area of concern for responsible businesses. 

Some developers of machine translation (MT) engines, which are distinct from large language models (LLMs) or emerging small language models (SLMs), have begun taking steps toward more sustainable practices. You can learn more directly from these translation technology providers about how they’re addressing energy use and environmental impact:

Setting Up a Responsible AI Translation Workflow

To responsibly integrate AI into your translation process, follow these steps:

  1. Identify content type and risk level: Use AI for non-sensitive, high-volume, low-risk content
  2. Configure secure AI tools: Use private NMTs or local deployments to protect data
  3. Train the AI on your terminology: Incorporate glossaries and TMs into prompts
  4. Apply professional post-editing: Use expert linguists to edit and review the machine output
  5. Quality Assurance: Ensure translation accuracy, nuance, and compliance
  6. Stay updated on AI regulations: Monitor evolving legal standards around AI and data usage.
Interpro’s team of experts can help you choose AI language services based on your challenges:
  • AI Translation delivers fast, cost-effective translations using advanced artificial intelligence while maintaining high linguistic quality.
  • AI Translation Consulting provides expert guidance on integrating AI-powered translation solutions into your business processes for maximum efficiency.
  • AI Multimedia Localization adapts audio, video, and interactive content for global audiences using AI-enhanced tools and workflows.
  • AI Event Interpreting enables real-time multilingual communication at events through AI-driven interpreting technology and professional oversight.
  • Machine Translation Post Editing refines AI-generated translations through expert human editing to ensure accuracy, tone, and cultural relevance.

Need help implementing AI for translation?

Set up a reliable, ethical AI translation workflow with Interpro here to guide you. Schedule a consultation today to start translating smarter.

As a consultative translation partner, Interpro has guided organizations across industries (including healthcare, education, and nonprofit associations) through the complexities of integrating AI into their translation workflows.

FAQs: Ethical AI in translation

Will Interpro ever use AI without my approval?

No. We only use AI after you opt in and the scope is documented.

How do you protect confidential content?

We avoid public models for sensitive data and use secure, access-controlled systems with strong vendor due-diligence.

Why keep humans in the loop?

Professional linguists ensure accuracy, cultural nuance, and brand voice especially for technical or high-stakes content.

Which standards guide your approach?

We align with ISO 17100 for translation quality processes; consider ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC 2 for security; and follow HIPAA where applicable. We also track EU AI Act transparency duties and NIST’s AI RMF for risk management.

Resources:
EU AI Act transparency ·
NIST AI RMF ·
ISO 17100 ·
ISO/IEC 27001 ·
SOC 2 ·
HIPAA Privacy Rule

Explore services: Translation · Consulting · Document · eLearning · Video & Multimedia

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Interpro’s Company History: The Stories Behind Our 30-Year Legacy https://www.interproinc.com/interpro-company-history/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:01:03 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=7782 To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Interpro Translation Solutions reflects on three decades of growth powered by innovative people on a mission to make a global impact. From humble beginnings in a Chicago basement to becoming a trusted multilingual partner for international brands, this article highlights key milestones, employee stories, and the legacy that made Interpro…

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To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Interpro Translation Solutions reflects on three decades of growth powered by innovative people on a mission to make a global impact. From humble beginnings in a Chicago basement to becoming a trusted multilingual partner for international brands, this article highlights key milestones, employee stories, and the legacy that made Interpro what it is today. 

Before the Beginning: A Founder’s Introduction

From Chicago to Italy, Switzerland to Argentina, Interpro’s story has always been global.

While sorting through old files, Ralph Strozza found memories. Among the clutter was a commencement program from his graduation at Northwestern University, a business plan scribbled with guesses, and the story of how Interpro came to be

“It’s incredible to look back and see how much we’ve grown in 30 years. You never know when you’ll stumble across something that still holds value, like the dream that started it all. Tucked between expired passports and old policies was the blueprint of a dream that somehow became a 30-year legacy.”

— Ralph Strozza, Interpro’s Founder

Here’s to looking back on the 30 years of becoming Interpro, and to the many milestones ahead.

Image of Interpro’s Original Business Plan for Translation Services in 1995

From Ralph: “Shown above is page 10 of the Business Plan I developed, dated August 22, 1994. The cover of the Plan was for Global Translation (GLOBTRAN), but as you can see, there were other names I was bouncing around: Technology Translation Group (TTG), DigiTran, and SST (System Software Translation). The name I eventually decided on was TriniSys Translations, but if you ask me why I came up with this, I can honestly tell you that I have no idea what I was thinking. Maybe I just thought it sounded cool. A few months later I changed the company name to InterPro Translation Solutions, Inc. I wanted something that reflected that we were 1) International (Inter), 2) Professionals (Pro). It’s incredible to look back and see how much we’ve grown in 30 years.”

1995: Interpro Opens its Doors

In the mid-1980s and early 1990s, Ralph held leadership roles at WCC (Worldwide Communications Corporation), TAO International in Toulouse, France, Intergraph Corporation, and System Software Associates (SSA), managing localization of complex ERP software into ten languages. While leading these efforts, he saw a growing demand for high-quality technical translation services that few vendors could meet effectively.

Clients kept asking who could help translate their customized software,” Ralph recalls. “There just wasn’t a good answer.

Armed with firsthand experience in managing complex translation workflows and understanding the unique needs of global business software, Ralph recognized a gap in the market. That insight, paired with his deep love of language and emerging tech, became the catalyst for founding Interpro. He envisioned a firm built on world-class language services, in-house expertise, and long-term client partnerships. Essentially, a firm grounded in professional localization and technical excellence.

This led to the beginning of Interpro’s story with a commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused translation services.

In 1995, Ralph launched Interpro Translation Solutions with a bold promise: to make high-quality, tech-enabled translation both easy and human.

Early company principles (that still stand to this day) at Interpro included:

  • A consultative, solution-focused mindset
  • In-country, native-speaking professional linguists paired by subject matter expertise
  • Long-term language team partnerships
  • Smart use of translation technology
  • In-house project management, desktop publishing, and engineering

And famously, the Interpro standard, penned by Ralph: “Nordstrom, not Walmart.” The goal wasn’t to be the cheapest. It was to be the best.

Early Interpro team members Yuko Kato and Abdelkader Daoudi

Pictured left is Yuko Kato and on the right is Abdelkader Daoudi, early Project Managers on the Interpro team.

Other notable stories in 1995:

  • Abdelkader Daoudi joins as Project Manager, beginning a legacy of leadership and excellence for our project management team.
  • Interpro localizes InstallShield into 20+ languages (and Interpro’s first major multilingual project).
  • Interpro is one of the first businesses on the nascent worldwide web to have a multilingual website (French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish).

1996: Expanding Services

As global business expanded online, Interpro quickly adapted. Launching complex Multilingual Desktop Publishing (MDTP) in 1996 would eventually lead to Interpro becoming a full-service translation agency. Future services would expand to providing consultative advice for website localization and eLearning course translation. Clients would begin to turn to us not just for translation, but for complete support and consultative advice for expanding across new platforms and global audiences.

Key client relationships with Honeywell Sensing and Control (now M45 Marketing) and IBM’s MAPICS division began to thrive. Mack Campbell, our former client partner for MAPICS, recalls, “Interpro’s strength was never just in the words it translated. It was in how the company operated: with integrity, with urgency, and with genuine care.”

 

1997: Interpro’s Future Manager, eLearning and DTP Joins the Team

Many at Interpro are multilingual, and Larry Pilotto is no exception. His languages just happen to be HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. 

Since joining Interpro in 1997, Larry has been at the forefront of tackling some of the toughest technical challenges for formatting translations. Originally hired as a Multilingual Desktop Publishing Specialist, he quickly became the go-to expert for solving complex layout and language support issues across hundreds of thousands of pages and dozens of languages. In addition to DTP and eLearning work, he helped create interproinc.com and remains an integral part of Interpro’s online website initiatives to this day.

The one thing that sticks with me over all these years is the stories from clients about how we’ve helped them help diverse groups overcome language barriers. It’s one of the most satisfying aspects of the work,” Larry says. “The technical challenges are fun, but helping spread information is really at the heart of what we do.”

Everyone at Interpro agrees – Larry is a loyal team player and critical to Interpro’s decades of success. 

First Interprospectives edition showing Interpro’s early company insights

Featured in an 2002 edition of Interprospectives, this snapshot highlights the contributions of John Greenwood, Abdelkader Daoudi, Beshar Bahjat, and Larry Pilotto. These four team members helped shape Interpro’s early success through dedication,  leadership and technical skill.

1999: Interpro’s Future Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Joins the Team

It was during these formative years that Beshar Bahjat joined the team. Originally hired on a temporary contract in 1997, Beshar quickly became a pillar of Interpro’s technical innovation and service delivery. 

I was working as a software engineer at a Consulting firm that was a sister-company to Interpro Translation Solutions back in 1999,” Beshar says “asked to help Interpro on a temporary basis with some localization engineering, and I never left!”

A software engineer by training and an incredible technical problem-solver, he has:

  • designed scalable systems to support every function of the organization,
  • led the development of custom workflows and integrations with client tools,
  • and guided the backend operations that power our evolving service lines, including AI translation and consulting services.

His early contributions included helping a dot-com-era firm launch a multilingual website and supporting major clients like IBM and Qualcomm through technically demanding localization projects.

Beshar has been integral from the beginning,” Ralph says. “His ability to develop engineering solutions for our client’s language needs shaped the way we deliver our services today.

Now Interpro’s CTO, Beshar has spent over 27 years helping build, refine, and future-proof the systems that power multilingual success. He can be found behind the scenes speaking a different language at any given time – Arabic, C++, SQL, and many more. (We really don’t know how he remembers it all!)

CTO Beshar Bahjat with Lei Meng during the early 2000s

Beshar Bahjat, shown training a coworker in the mid-2000s, brought deep technical expertise and innovative thinking that started by transforming Interpro’s engineering operations and eventually shaping the systems behind our global services.

 

1999: Building Brand Awareness

While Beshar was innovating behind the scenes, others were working to grow Interpro’s presence around the globe. 

Former business development lead John Greenwood recalls, “What truly set Interpro apart, then and now, was its relentless commitment to excellence.” John joined the company in 1999 after collaborating with Ralph Strozza during the AS/400 era, and helped extend Interpro’s reach across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

This is what would officially launch Interpro’s marketing and sales efforts, building an undeniable reputation around the globe. 

Building Interpro’s global presence through media and outreach

John Greenwood and the early sales team helped launch Interpro’s global brand presence, laying the foundation for decades of trusted multilingual service.

 

2000: Localization for the Olympics

By 1998, we were delivering document translation services and managing fulfillment for IBM Personal Systems Group Latin America. This relationship would lead to localizing IBM’s 2000 Sydney Olympics website into six languages: Simplified Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, French, German, and Spanish for the 2000 Sydney games. This would be an early example of Interpro’s global translation services.

Olympics localization team during Sydney Games website project

An early snapshot of the Interpro team, featuring Larry Pilotto and Beshar Bahjat (back row, second and fourth from left). This group laid the foundation for Interpro’s legacy of technical excellence, global collaboration, and people-powered growth.

 

2001: Opening an International Office in Argentina

To support our highest-volume language – Latin American Spanish – we decided to open  a regional office in Rosario, Argentina in 2001.

Interpro opens Argentina office in Rosario to support LATAM Spanish localization

Interpro Argentina joined the ranks of our Worldwide Partner Network teams of skilled translators from around the world, growing across time zones and countries.. Our Argentina office has now evolved and grown into what we call today into our international partners around the world – like Interpro Team Chile.

 

2002: Ralph Strozza is 100% Owner of Interpro

When Ralph Strozza became the 100% owner of Interpro, it was a big moment for the company. It gave him full control to shape the future of the business and focus on what mattered most: building long-term partnerships, delivering high-quality work, and hiring people who truly care about making a difference. 

Ralph needed to grow the business to ensure its success, but he also wanted to create a strong, stable company that would last for decades. This decision helped Interpro stay focused, financially healthy, and grow into the trusted company it is today. It’s one of the main reasons we’re still here, 30 years later, ready for what’s next. 

It must have worked, because in 2002 Interpro completed their first multi-language mobile localization project for Qualcomm’s BREW platform, a pioneering move in the mobile translation space. 

 

2003: Supporting NIU’s Foreign Language Department

As a company proudly based in Wheaton, Illinois and part of the greater Chicago area, Interpro has always felt a strong connection to Northern Illinois University (NIU). Founder Ralph Strozza and current CEO Nick Strozza are both NIU alumni who studied in the foreign language department, and many members of our leadership team share a similar background.

Because of this close connection, Interpro has made it a priority to give back. Over the years, we’ve supported NIU with in-kind donations and monetary support: donating Trados software so students can practice translation skills, providing presentations and guest lectures, offering internships and scholarships for students who are passionate about language and looking to build a future in translation.

Building a successful business means giving back to our local community and helping the next generation of professionals succeed.

Interpro team giving back to Northern Illinois University’s language department

Interpro’s team proudly supports Northern Illinois University because their language department has helped shape many of our leaders.

 

2004: eLearning Localization Services Changed Interpro’s Future

In 2004, our growing team proudly completed our first eLearning localization project, and became proficient in tools like Storyline, Rise, and Captivate. Little did we know this would shape our company for decades to come.

Educational courses are notoriously complex to localize. A single module in a course can include video, captions, voiceover, downloadable workbooks, forms, quizzes, and certifications – and most courses aren’t just one video. They’re entire libraries.

Expanding into eLearning was a challenge but also a reflection of our commitment to growing with our clients’ language needs. Today, Interpro is recognized as one of the most trusted eLearning localization partners in the industry for custom learning management systems, or commonly used tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise. 

We’ll carry this commitment to expand our services with your needs into the future of Interpro.

eLearning localization into Arabic in Articulate Rise

Localization of an eLearning course into Arabic in Articulate Rise.

 

2005: InterProspectives Brings Language Insights to Our Community 

In 2005, Interpro launched its first edition of Interprospectives, a publication created to share what we were learning and seeing inside the world of translation. Our goal was simple: keep our clients, team members, and industry partners informed with real insights from behind the scenes.

We’re proud to say that nearly 20 years later, Interprospectives is still going strong. Thanks to modern technology, it’s now a fully digital publication. Today, we send out a monthly Interpro Insights newsletter that highlights our latest blogs, resources, and company updates. From time to time, we still publish special Interprospectives editions written by our leadership team, giving readers a closer look at the ideas and trends shaping Interpro’s future.

Want to receive the next issue? Subscribe here.

First Interprospectives edition showing Interpro’s early industry insights

An early edition of InterProspectives (now rebranded to Interprospectives), Interpro’s original print publication, showcasing our commitment to technical expertise, multilingual accessibility, and knowledge sharing across the translation and localization industry.

 

2007: Creating a Brand Designed for Growth

As our services grew and our team expanded around the world, it became clear that our brand needed to show who we were becoming: a trusted, consultative language partner dedicated to long-term client relationships.

In 2007, Interpro updated its logo to better reflect something that had always been at the heart of our company: partnership. 

But that wasn’t the first (or last) time we’d change our visual identity.

Our very first logo in 1995 was simple and technical, created at a time when Interpro was just getting started. As the years passed, our look evolved alongside the company itself. Each version of our logo reflects the evolution from a small, passionate startup to a full-service, global language solutions provider.

In 2025, we proudly introduced our most modern brand yet. This updated look was built to reflect not just what we do, but how we do it. It represents:

  • the subject matter expertise that our clients rely on, 
  • the high standards we’re known for, 
  • and the dedicated people behind every successful translation.

Interpro logo evolution

The evolution of Interpro’s brand from 1995 to today.


2008: Supporting Enterprise Localization Goals

Over the years, Interpro has been proud to support hundreds of organizations with their global communication needs. One project that stands out as a major milestone took place in 2008, when Interpro was selected for the State of California SB 853 Translation Project, launched by then governor (and star of one of our current CEO’s favorite holiday classics):  Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

This major effort involved translating over 2 million words of critical healthcare materials into five threshold languages: Spanish, Tagalog, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. It was a huge responsibility, and one that proved Interpro was ready and scalable to handle large, complex projects with accuracy and care. 

This project would set the stage for future growth. Since then, we’ve translated more than 350 million words and partnered with global organizations across multiple industries.

 

2010: Interpro Wins Award for Small Business Excellence

In 2010, Interpro was honored to receive the Annual Award for Business Excellence in the Small Company category. This award, presented by the Daily Herald Business Ledger, recognizes outstanding businesses in the Chicago area for growth, innovation, and community involvement.

Winning this award was a meaningful moment for Interpro. It showed that our hard work, strong client relationships, and dedication to quality were making an impact in our industry and our local business community. The award is proudly displayed in our conference room to this day.

At that time, Interpro was continuing to grow its team, expand services, and take on more enterprise-level projects. Being recognized as a top small business reinforced our belief in putting people first for both inside the company and with every client we serve.

Ralph Strozza accepting 2010 Annual Award for Business Excellence

Ralph Strozza accepts the 2010 Annual Award for Business Excellence, recognizing Interpro as a top small business in the Chicago area for innovation, growth, and community impact.

Talking about winning awards as a motivator: in 2016 Interpro’s marketing collateral WORDS! would win the American Advertising Federation of Northern Illinois Addy Gold Award. Interpro partnered with one of our longest standing clients (M45 Marketing) to deliver this showcase piece.This would inspire future marketing efforts to bring Interpro’s philosophy about translation into everything we do. 

 

2017: From Words to Conversations with Interpreting Services

Interpro expanded its service offerings to include interpreting with Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) in 2017, which was an innovative offering that would later support expanding needs in webinar interpreting, event interpreting, and other real-time multilingual services.

This move was a direct response to the needs of our clients, especially large organizations hosting real-time events, meetings, and webinars in multiple languages.

While we had built a strong reputation in translation and localization, many of our clients needed a partner who could also support live conversations with the same level of quality and care. We listened and delivered.

By adding interpreting services, we continued on our path of becoming  a true, full-service language partner. Clients could now count on us not just for written content, but also for real-time multilingual support. Whether it’s a virtual conference, training session, or global team meeting, Interpro’s interpreting services are built to meet the same high standards we’ve always had.

It was one more way to show our commitment to being the best possible partner, no matter how our clients need to communicate.

Interpro interpreter delivering live multilingual support

Interpro’s interpreters deliver real-time multilingual support as part of our commitment to helping clients connect through spoken language, with the same quality and care as our written translations.

 

2021: Interpro Backs Our Core Standards with ISO-Certified Services

By 2021, Interpro had been awarded ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 17100 (Translation Services) certifications, both hallmarks of quality in certified language services. 

These certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognize companies that meet high standards for quality management, client satisfaction, and continual improvement. 

Since day one, Interpro has been focused on one thing above all: quality. Producing accurate, dependable translation services has always been at the core of our mission. 

For us, earning our ISO certifications wasn’t to just check another box. It was a symbol of our commitment to providing quality translation services for our clients, and of how far we’re willing to go to serve our clients with excellence. From process to people, our systems are built to deliver the best possible experience with the overall objective of complete client satisfaction . 

One of our partners at Jigsaw Quality Management & Audit Solutions, Sam Somerville, recalls:

From our first meeting, it was clear Interpro was no ordinary company. This wasn’t just about achieving a standard. Interpro’s leadership and team were fully committed to embedding continuous improvement at the core of their business. Their enthusiasm for quality wasn’t surface-level. It was part of their DNA.”

 

2021: Adopting a Remote First Culture

In 2021, the world was still adjusting to major changes in how people live and work, and Interpro adapted right along with it.

Alongside the pandemic, we made a big shift: Interpro officially became a remote-first company.

The truth is, Interpro has always worked across borders. With linguists, engineers, project managers, DTP specialists and interpreters located around the globe, we have operated as a remote organization for over30 years. But 2021 marked a new chapter, one where we fully embraced flexible work as a core part of our culture.

This move allowed us to open up more opportunities for remote employees, create a better culture with a stronger, more connected team. By focusing on results instead of location, we have built a healthier, more supportive workplace and a more successful company.

Going remote-first did not just help us grow. It helped us stay true to who we have always been: a global team, working together to connect people through language.

Interpro hybrid team meeting during remote-first transition

Interpro team members gather in person and virtually during a hybrid team building meeting reflecting our shift and our ongoing commitment to global collaboration, flexibility, and connection.

 

2022: New Global Headquarters for the Future

In 2022, Interpro made a major investment in our future by purchasing a new headquarters office in Wheaton, Illinois, in the greater Chicago area. This decision gave the team a permanent  home base. It was about building stability, showing long-term commitment to our region, and preparing for the next 30 years of growth.

We purchased the office in full, with no debt. That choice strengthened our financial future and gave us a space to call our own, right in the heart of the community where Interpro began.

The new headquarters reflects our values of independence, partnership, and progress. It gives our team a place to collaborate, and represents a milestone in Interpro’s story – one that’s built to last.

Interpro’s new Wheaton, Illinois headquarters

The Interpro team gathers at Interpro’s Global Headquarters in Wheaton, IL

2023: Our People are Our Story

As we’ve grown over the years, one thing is clear – Interpro’s success comes from our team. 

Many Interpro team members have been with the company for 10, 20, even 25+ years. When reflecting on the journey of how we got here, one thing is clear: it’s our team that has shaped the company’s evolution,” says Nick Strozza, CEO. “It’s only right that we tell their stories of their experiences that have helped shape Interpro’s expertise.”

As part of our story, we want to highlight some of the professional experts behind the brand:

Lei Meng shares about her role leading language project management at Interpro and how: “Localization isn’t just about translating words. It’s about making knowledge accessible, empowering people, and creating real-world impact.

Javiera Gonzalez has shared her essential phrases to learn from her trip to Japan and provided cultural insight to the rich history of empanadas.

Arianna Martin shares her international experiences living across 5 countries. (Do we need to say more?)

Mirela Savulescu’s journey from Transylvania to Chicago underlines the global experiences that enrich our company’s culture. 

Maria Fagrelius shares her story of immigration and cultural adaptation, highlighting the empathy and understanding that drive our work.

We’re proud to be the trusted language partner because of our expert team of professionals.

 

2024: Beginning New Leadership with Legacy

In 2024, Ralph formally passed the torch to his son, Nick Strozza, who had grown up alongside the company. With a background in marketing and a love of language, Nick stepped into the CEO role with a fresh vision and deep respect for Interpro’s roots.

“We’re still about making human connections,” Nick says. “Technology helps us, but people come first. We’re embracing new tools, but never at the cost of quality.”

Under Nick’s leadership, Interpro has refreshed its mission, expanded service offerings, and reaffirmed its commitment to people-centered translator services

Footnote: Ralph hasn’t hung up his boots just yet. He works on special projects and acts in an advisory capacity to the company as a whole. While his official title is ‘Founder,’ his unwritten title continues to be Consigliere!

 

Ralph Strozza with his office companion, Payton, reflecting legacy leadershipCEO Nick Strozza represents Interpro’s next generation of leadership 

From Founder Ralph Strozza’s early leadership (often joined by his loyal office companion, Payton #34) to the next generation with CEO Nick Strozza, Interpro’s legacy continues to grow and evolve.

2025: Celebrating 30 Years of Powered by People

And just like that, 30 years went by in a flash. In 2025, Interpro is proudly celebrating 30 years in business. 

In honor of this historical achievement, we launched a completely new Interpro brand to reflect who Interpro has become over the past three decades, and where we are going.. The new brand represents our growth, our values, and the people behind the work. It captures what truly sets us apart.

Faces behind Interpro’s 30-year journey of global collaboration and partnership

As Interpro celebrates 30 years in business, our refreshed brand honors what truly sets us apart: our people. Pictured here are some of the faces behind the expertise, partnership, and passion that have defined our journey.

What 30 Years of Being a Leader in Languages Teaches You

Sustaining excellence over three decades takes more than technical skill. It takes more than solving complex problems, delivering consistent quality, and growing with your clients. It requires deep cultural understanding, rigorous quality control, and a true partnership mindset. At Interpro, we’ve built a business around these principles because we are here to be a reliable partner for decades to come.

If your organization is planning for multilingual growth, navigating compliance, or entering new markets, our legacy becomes your advantage.

Let’s talk about where you’re headed and how we can help your journey to get there. Schedule a complimentary localization strategy session with our team of experts today.

The post Interpro’s Company History: The Stories Behind Our 30-Year Legacy appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

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Global Growth for Manufacturers: Marketing & Technical Translation https://www.interproinc.com/global-growth-for-manufacturers-marketing-technical-translation/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:24:16 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=2726 Global Growth for Manufacturers: Marketing & Technical Translation Success For manufacturers seeking a translation services provider to help them scale like Armstrong International, global expansion is a strategic necessity. With operations in over 100 countries, Armstrong’s leadership team knew that choosing a translation company that would help them streamline translation processes was critical to growth,…

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Global Growth for Manufacturers: Marketing & Technical Translation Success

For manufacturers seeking a translation services provider to help them scale like Armstrong International, global expansion is a strategic necessity. With operations in over 100 countries, Armstrong’s leadership team knew that choosing a translation company that would help them streamline translation processes was critical to growth, maintaining global compliance, and strengthening brand trust worldwide.

The Challenge of Global Expansion for Manufacturing Leaders

Company expansion isn’t just about selling products in new markets. It’s about building relationships and consistent, reliable communications.

Armstrong’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Nowicki, faced a significant challenge:

We didn’t have a global process to support multiple languages. We were looking to consolidate with a single source, and to implement systematic localization of content on a more routine basis.”, states Nowicki.

How could he ensure that every piece of Armstrong’s marketing, technical documentation, and eLearning content was accurate, culturally relevant, and brand-consistent in multiple languages?

He needed a translation partner who understood Armstrong’s business inside and out, and not just another vendor.

15 years ago, he found the answer – Interpro Translation Solutions.

Over the past 15 years, Interpro has become more than a language service provider; they have become an extension of Armstrong’s marketing and technical teams. This article explores why that partnership works, the unique challenges of technical translation in manufacturing, and how Interpro helps Armstrong maintain brand consistency across global markets.

Why a Manufacturing CMO Needs a True Translation Partner, Not Just a Vendor

At Armstrong, the company doesn’t just sell thermal utility solutions – it sells reliability. Customers trust Armstrong to provide precise, technically sound, and highly specialized solutions for their steam, air, and hot water systems. Any miscommunication in technical materials – for employees or customers – could lead to inefficiencies, safety hazards, or compliance issues. And of course, there’s the challenge of maintaining a consistent and culturally relevant brand in 100 countries.

This is where many translation services fall short. A generic translation provider may be able to convert words from one language to another, but without deep industry knowledge and workflows to keep terminology consistent across all materials, the results can be disastrous.

What Armstrong needed was a translation partner that could:

  • Understand the industry’s technical language and translate complex engineering terms with absolute accuracy.
  • Ensure brand consistency across marketing, technical documentation, and training materials.
  • Scale with Armstrong as it expanded its presence in multiple international markets.
  • Integrate seamlessly into Armstrong’s workflow, working alongside the marketing and engineering teams.

Interpro checked every box.

A Strategic and Consultative Partnership with Interpro

The journey with Interpro began in 2010, when it recognized that a fragmented translation approach wasn’t sustainable. The company was working with different language service providers in various regions, leading to inconsistent terminology, formatting issues, and translation inefficiencies.

From the very first project together, Interpro’s commitment to accuracy and efficiency was clear. Interpro doesn’t just translate materials. The Interpro team did extensive scope discovery, understanding Armstrong’s unique problems. Interpro then developed a systematic localization strategy and streamlined workflow to support Armstrong’s global communication needs.

Key early initiatives included:

  • Building a comprehensive Translation Memory (TM) to ensure consistent use of technical terms across all languages.
  • Glossary development for French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish: This eliminated inconsistencies across materials.
  • Migrating marketing materials from QuarkXPress to Adobe InDesign and ensuring multilingual content was production-ready across all markets.

Since then, Interpro has translated and localized nearly 800 projects for Armstrong, including:

  • Armstrong University eLearning course library
  • Installation guide and technical manual translation
  • Global marketing and sales materials
  • Multilingual website localization
  • Video translation with voiceover and captions

Each project has reinforced Armstrong’s trust in Interpro’s ability to handle technical complexity while maintaining brand consistency.

The relationship between Interpro and Armstrong is likely unlike other client relationships, from the standpoint of Interpro becoming fully integrated with our global marketing team, including attending the in-person summit, and quarterly team meetings,” says Nowicki.

The Unique Challenges of Technical Translation in Manufacturing (And How Interpro Solves Them)

Ensuring Absolute Accuracy in Technical Documentation

In manufacturing, the slightest mistranslation in a technical manual or product specification can lead to critical errors. Customers rely on these materials to properly install, operate, and maintain complex equipment.

How Interpro Helps:

  • Industry-Specific Linguists: Interpro assigns translators with manufacturing and engineering backgrounds to ensure precise terminology usage.
  • Multi-Step Quality Assurance (QA): Armstrong’s process includes multiple review stages, including in-country review (ICR) by native-speaking subject matter experts.
  • Glossary and Style Guide Maintenance: Ensures consistency across all documents, regardless of the language.

Result: Armstrong’s technical manuals are accurate, reliable, and compliant in every market.

Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Global Markets

Brand voice and messaging should be consistent, no matter the language. Many manufacturers struggle with maintaining the same level of clarity, authority, and professionalism across translated materials.

How Interpro Helps:

  • Centralized Translation Memory & Glossaries: Ensures key brand messages and technical terms are consistently translated.
  • Cultural Adaptation (Not Just Translation): Their linguists localize content for different regions, adapting phrasing while keeping the brand’s tone intact.
  • Integration with Marketing Teams: Interpro regularly attends Armstrong’s global marketing meetings and summits, ensuring alignment with brand goals.

Result: Armstrong’s messaging is unified and effective across all global campaigns.

Scaling Translation for Growth While Maintaining Quality

Armstrong International operates in over 100 countries and serves clients in industries such as food & beverage, healthcare, automotive, and education. As the company grows, the demand for translated content continues to expand.

How Interpro Helps:

  • Scalable Team of Experts: They quickly ramp up resources for large-scale projects.
  • Technology-Driven Workflow: Their translation management system (TMS) streamlines projects, reducing turnaround times without sacrificing quality.
  • Ongoing Collaboration & Consultation: Regular check-ins ensure that Armstrong’s evolving business needs are met.

Result: Armstrong can confidently expand into new markets with a trusted translation partner by its side.

The Impact: How Interpro Has Transformed Armstrong’s Global Communications

Armstrong’s CMO, Nowicki, says it best:

“We’ve seen increased engagement, increase in form submissions, improved search engine optimization, and brand positioning because we serve comprehensive content in multiple languages. And there has been increased engagement with the team at Armstrong China because the content has been localized.”

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 6,000,000 words translated
  • 800+ translation projects completed
  • 74 eLearning courses localized
  • 8+ languages supported across Armstrong’s global website

Resulting in:

  • Increased engagement in international markets (especially in China)
  • Higher SEO performance due to localized web content.
  • Seamless integration with Armstrong’s global marketing team.
  • A fully accessible website for global customers, improving engagement and trust.
  • The marketing and sales teams can confidently communicate in local languages, enhancing relationships with international clients.
  • Employees worldwide benefit from translated eLearning courses, ensuring consistency in training and operational knowledge.

Why Every Manufacturing CMO Needs a Translation Strategy

Leadership has learned that global success requires more than just great products. It requires clear, consistent, and culturally relevant communication.

Choosing a translation partner isn’t just about cost. It’s about choosing a translation team that prioritizes quality, reliability, and strategic alignment – and engineers your translation workflow to make it work for you. Armstrong’s partnership with Interpro has been a game-changer because they provide:

✅ Technical translation expertise
✅ A commitment to brand consistency
✅ Scalable solutions for global growth
✅ True integration with Armstrong’s team

For manufacturing leaders looking to streamline translation, ensure compliance, and strengthen global brand presence, Interpro Translation Solutions is the gold standard.

Ready to elevate your global strategy?

Contact Interpro today to discuss how expert translation can drive your international success.

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Interpro’s Supported Applications and File Types https://www.interproinc.com/applications-file-types/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 22:47:21 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=2469 From Translation Memory toolsets to the latest in AI translation, Interpro has always been on the cutting edge of translation technology.  Since Interpro’s founding, we have incorporated state-of-the-art translation technology and localization engineers to provide our clients with the most effective all-around solutions that fit their budget and delivery times, without compromising the quality of…

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From Translation Memory toolsets to the latest in AI translation, Interpro has always been on the cutting edge of translation technology. 

Since Interpro’s founding, we have incorporated state-of-the-art translation technology and localization engineers to provide our clients with the most effective all-around solutions that fit their budget and delivery times, without compromising the quality of the final deliverables. Whether it involves updating Translation Memory, utilizing the latest Neural Machine Translation (NMT) engine, or deploying a Large Language Model (LLM) generative AI, this means we help you solve your technical issues in your translation, localization, and interpreting projects.

Our Commitment to Continuous Technology Improvement: When you choose to partner with Interpro, we always stay on the cutting edge of the newest translation technology – so you don’t have to.

Advanced Translation Technology

Interpro’s specialists, methodology, and technology are built to support translating from any application, file type, or platform.

Interpro’s track record working with many different authoring programs, development tools, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Content Management Systems (CMS), programming languages, and other platforms for word processing, graphic design, audio and video production ensures consistently successful outcomes for our clients.

In addition to our team’s experience, Interpro’s processes and people create optimal language solutions you need with every project.

Supporting Any File Type, Platform, Application, or Format

From commercial platforms to proprietary tools you’ve created, our turnkey methodology allows the Interpro team to work with any file type you provide on any operating system like Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, Android and IBM i OS.

It isn’t possible to list every file type but be assured we have it covered. If you don’t see your specific platform, file type, or application listed here, we’ll work with you to find a personalized solution for your language needs.

 

  • Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
  • Adobe After Effects (.ape)
  • Adobe Animate
  • Adobe Captivate (.cp .cptx)
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Adobe FrameMaker (.fm .mif)
  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
  • Adobe InDesign (.indd .idml)
  • Adobe Photoshop (.psd)
  • Adobe Premiere Pro (.ppj .prproj)
  • Adobe XD
  • Apache OpenOffice (.odt)
  • Apple Quicktime (.mov)
  • Articulate Rise 360
  • Articulate Storyline (.story)
  • Articulate Studio (.pptx .eng .quiz)
  • Artisan (eLearning)
  • ASP
  • AuthorIT
  • AuthorU (eLearning)
  • Bitmap (.bmp)
  • Brainshark (.ppt .pptx)
  • Camtasia *(.camrec)
  • Canva
  • Canvas (LMS)
  • Dynamic Link Library (.dll)
  • Easyling
  • Encapsulated PostScript (.eps)
  • FinalCut Pro (.fcpx)
  • Google Docs (.docx .dot)
  • Google Sheets
  • Google Slides
  • Graphical Image Files (e.g. .gif .jpg .bmp. png .tif .eps)
  • Graphics Interchange File (.gif)
  • Help+Manual
  • HTML
  • HTML5
  • HTML Web Help
  • Hustle
  • IBM i Panel Group (PNLGRP) Help
  • JavaHelp
  • JavaScript
  • Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg, .jpeg)
  • Jotforms
  • JSON (.json)
  • Kudo
  • Lectora (.awt) (e-learning)
  • MadCap
  • MadCap Flare
  • Marketing Cloud
  • MemoQ
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
  • Microsoft HTML Help Workshop
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt .pptx)
  • Microsoft Publisher (.pub)
  • Microsoft .NET Managed Resources File (.resx)
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Microsoft Visio (.vsd)
  • Microsoft Word (.doc .docx)
  • MPEG-2 Audio Layer III (.mp3)
  • MPEG-4 Part 14 (.mp4)
  • Office Libre
  • Open Office
  • PageMaker
  • Passolo (Translation Memory)
  • PDF
  • PHP
  • Phrase TMS (Translation Memory)
  • Plunet
  • PO (.po)
  • Portable Graphics Format (.png)
  • Properties (.properties)
  • Qualtrics
  • Quark
  • QuarkXpress
  • Resource Files (.rc)
  • Rise 360 (e-learning)
  • RoboHelp
  • Salesforce Marketing Cloud
  • Sitecore
  • Smartling
  • Standard Windows Help text format
  • Storyline 360 (e-learning)
  • SubRip Text (.srt)
  • Survey Monkey
  • Tag Image File Format (.tiff)
  • Trados (Translation Memory)
  • VTT (.vtt)
  • Vyond
  • Waveform Audio File Format (.wav)
  • Web-based File Formats (e.g. .html .asp .php)
  • WebWorks Help
  • Windows Executable File (.exe)
  • Windows Media Video (.wmv)
  • WordPress
  • WordPress Multilingual Plugin
  • XML (.xml .xlf .xliff)
  • XML Interface Builder (.xib)
  • XTM (Translation Memory)
  • Zoom

Don’t see your File Type, Platform, Application, or Format listed?

Connect with an expert at Interpro! Chance are our team can help create you a solution.

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Interpro’s Supported Languages https://www.interproinc.com/supported-languages/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:08:30 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=1707 With 128 languages supported, nothing is lost in translation at Interpro. Whatever your target languages or regional dialects, Interpro’s professional linguists can provide accurate, consistent translation, localization and interpreting for your audiences. Our expert foreign language translation services are available for virtually every modern language, with localization for specific vernaculars. We also provide translation services…

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With 128 languages supported, nothing is lost in translation at Interpro.

Whatever your target languages or regional dialects, Interpro’s professional linguists can provide accurate, consistent translation, localization and interpreting for your audiences. Our expert foreign language translation services are available for virtually every modern language, with localization for specific vernaculars. We also provide translation services from any of these languages into English.

Subject Matter Experts In Every Language

We hand select our linguists from around the world based on our high standards for subject matter experts. Translators are always native speakers of the target language, residing in the culture where the language is spoken.

Translation and Localization for Your Language and Dialect

Some of the languages we work with are shown below, but we can provide expert services in many more. If you need translation or interpreting for a language that isn’t listed, just give us a call.

Afrikaans Gaelic Pashto
Albanian Galician Polish
American Sign Language (ASL) Georgian Portuguese (Brazil)
Amharic German Portuguese (Europe)
Arabic German (Austria) Punjabi
Armenian German (Switzerland) Qʼeqchiʼ
Assyrian Greek Rohingya
Azerbijan Gujarati Romanian
Basque Hebrew Russian
Belarus Hindi Samoan
Bengali Hmong Serbian
Bosnian Hungarian Serbian (Cyrillic)
Bulgarian Icelandic Serbian Latin
Burmese Ilocano Sinhalese
Cantonese Indonesian Slovak
Catalan Italian Slovenian
Chinese (Hong Kong) Italian (Switzerland) Somali
Chinese (Simplified) Japanese Spanish (Colombia)
Chinese (Traditional) Kannada Spanish (Europe)
Chuukese Karen Spanish (Latin America)
Creole (Haiti) Khmer Spanish (Mexico)
Croatian Korean Spanish (Puerto Rico)
Czech Kurdish Spanish (USA)
Danish Lahnda Spanish (Universal)
Dari Lao Spanish (Venezuela)
Dutch Latvian Swahili
Dutch (Belgium) Lithuanian Swedish
English Luxembourgish Tagalog
English (Australia) Maay Maay Taishanese
English (CA) Malay Tamil India
English (Singapore) Malayalam Tamil (Sri Lanka)
English (UK) Maltese Telugu
English (USA) Mandingo Thai
Estonian Maori Tigrinya
Farsi Marathi Turkish
Finnish Marshallese Ukrainian
Flemish Mien Urdu
French Mongolian Cyrillic Vietnamese
French (Africa) Nepali Yiddish
French (Belgium) Norwegian Yoruba
French (Canada) Oriya Zomi
French (Switzerland) Oromo

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Interpro Celebrates 30 Years in Business and a 60-Year Journey Through Time https://www.interproinc.com/interpro-celebrates-30-years-in-business-and-a-60-year-journey-through-time/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:08:06 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=5888 As Interpro Translation Solutions celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, we look back at the remarkable journey of founder Ralph Strozza and his leading translation company—a story spanning six decades of language, culture, and innovation in translation services. As Interpro reflects on this journey, we are deeply grateful to our valued clients, whose trust and collaboration have made our…

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As Interpro Translation Solutions celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, we look back at the remarkable journey of founder Ralph Strozza and his leading translation company—a story spanning six decades of language, culture, and innovation in translation services.

As Interpro reflects on this journey, we are deeply grateful to our valued clients, whose trust and collaboration have made our dreams come true, and to our dedicated employees, whose expertise and commitment drive our success. 

Cheers to the first 30 years – and Salute, Prost, and Santé to the next 30!

The Essence of Interpro Began Long Before Opening it’s Doors

 

1960s: The Spark of Language

Mid-1960s, Forest Park, IL
A young Ralph Strozza becomes fascinated by language as his Italian grandfather, Luca, and great-uncle, Rocco, move into the family’s basement apartment in the Chicago suburbs. Watching his mother effortlessly switch between Italian and English—a form of natural, everyday interpreting—Ralph develops a passion for languages that will shape his entire life.

“I was in awe of my mother and the way she would carry on a conversation in Italian with her father and uncle, only to effortlessly revert to English to remind my brothers and me to get our homework done before we could go out to play with our friends.”

Ralph’s journey begins with Italian lessons in the basement, laying the foundation for what will become a lifetime of learning and appreciating communication across languages, and the earliest seeds of a company providing professional translation services.

“They bought me books like ‘See It and Say It in Italian’, as well as pocket dictionaries so that I could look up words, and I spent countless hours in their basement apartment attempting to learn the Italian language.”

 

1970s: Formal Education

High School Years
Disappointed that Italian isn’t offered at his high school, Ralph enrolls in Spanish 101, falling in love with the beauty of the words, grammar, and culture/history. He advances through multiple levels, not knowing that years later his company will be providing specialized Spanish translation services to global businesses.

“I loved everything about it. The beauty of the spoken words. The grammar. Spanish culture and history. And of course, the cuisine!”

Despite warnings about the difficulty of studying two foreign languages simultaneously, Ralph adds French to his studies in his senior year, drawn by the beauty of the language overheard from a neighboring classroom— appropriate, since French translation services will one day be in high demand in the business world.

“I hesitated because of all the warnings about how hard it was to study 2 foreign languages, how confusing it would be, how I would mix Spanish words with French words, etc. However, this was my senior year, and what did I have to lose?”

Collage of 8 photos of Ralph's dogs at Interpro

Interpro couldn’t have happened without the moral support of our 4-legged loved ones.

 

Mid-1970s/Early 1980s: College and Career Beginnings

College Years
Ralph pursues a double major in French (emphasis in Business and Translation) and Marketing, with Spanish as a minor, building the expertise that will later support software localization and document translation services for international businesses.

“By my sophomore year, the die was cast: I would double major in French and Marketing, and Spanish would take up the rear as my minor.”

Ralph then spends Spring semester of his junior year studying in Avignon, France, at the Institut Américain and the Faculté des Lettres. He lives with a French family and takes courses taught entirely in French, achieving fluency through total immersion and developing the cultural sensitivity that will later influence the certified translation services offered by his company.

“Thinking in French, writing in French, taking tests in French, and then coming home to French dinner conversation was exhausting. I never slept better or more soundly than I did during my French study abroad.”

Graduate School and Post-Graduation
After college, Ralph works at Air Canada for one year before accepting a Graduate Assistantship at Northwestern University to pursue a Master’s in French, both opportunities that expand his understanding of French language and literature and business communication across languages.

“One door closes, and another one opens, right? I accepted the position, reasoning that there were worse things than having Northwestern pay me to spend two years getting an MA in French.”

 

1982: Entry into Translation Technology

WCC, Chicago
Ralph secures a part-time position as a French, Italian, and Spanish lexicographer for WCC, a leading developer of Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) software (now called MT or Machine Translation). This first exposure to using computers to translate between languages proves fascinating and influential—an early glimpse of the technology that will revolutionize translation services and eventually lead to capabilities like JSON translation and XML translation.

“This was my introduction to computers and the utterly fascinating world of using them to translate from one language to another.”

 

Mid-1980s: European Experience

Toulouse, France
When WCC partners with a company in Toulouse, Ralph jumps at the opportunity to help set up their European operations. He spends two years establishing their translation service bureau, hiring and training staff, and selling CAT systems across Europe—gaining invaluable experience in document translation services and the emerging field of software localization.

Spending 2 years doing this allowed me to check off one of the items on my fledgling bucket list: to live and work in Europe at some point in my career.”

Personal Milestone
Ralph then meets the love of his life, Beatrice, and marries her in Bari, Italy before returning to the United States to continue career advancement in the growing industry of global translation services.

Collage of six picture of Interpro CEO traveling

Interpro’s Founder and former CEO traveling with friends and family

 

Late 1980s: Corporate Translation Experience

WCC, Chicago (Again)
Ralph returns to WCC and is promoted to VP of Marketing and Sales, selling MT systems and translation services, including early versions of what will later evolve into eCommerce Localization and Online Help Localization.

Intergraph Corporation
After WCC is acquired and subsequently shut down by a Japanese company, Ralph joins Intergraph Corporation to manage their in-house Translation Department. He successfully builds a team localizing CAD-CAM software and translating documentation into French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish—developing expertise that will later support technical translation services and localization services at Interpro.

“With a wife and two-year-old son, I needed to find a job very quickly, and Intergraph obliged by hiring me just as soon as WCC folded, giving me the responsibility of managing their Translation Department.”

 

Late 1980s-Early 1990s: Expansion into Enterprise Software

System Software Associates (SSA), Chicago
Ralph is recruited by SSA—the world’s leading developer of ERP software for the IBM AS/400 midrange computer—to build and lead their translation department, where he gains in-depth experience with business translation services, complex software localization, and technical documentation translation.

Growth at SSA
Over five years, Ralph expanded the department to 52 staff members, translating products into ten languages: Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (for Brazil), Spanish, and Swedish. This multilingual team handled complex software localization and document translation projects, including Excel translation, PowerPoint translation, and PPTX translation for international business clients.

Market Gap Identified
With over 60% of SSA’s sales coming from overseas, clients frequently ask Ralph about translation services for their custom modifications. Ralph discovers a significant market need with few viable solutions available, especially for AS/400 software localization and professional translation services for technical documentation.

“When I explained that my job was to get National Language Versions of SSA’s software, help text and documentation out the door, and there was no bandwidth for anything more, their follow-up question was always ‘Who can you recommend to do this?’”

“Only IBM’s Translation Center in Copenhagen had the experienced staff and equipment to localize AS/400 software. But they were slow. And they were expensive. This was a market niche that needed to be filled.”

Excerpt from a 2002 edition of Interpro’s newsletter: InterProspectives

Fun Fact: Beshar and Larry have been part of our team for over 25 years, playing a key role in building Interpro into what it is today. We’re grateful for their dedication and loyalty!

 

Interpro Translation Solutions is Born

October 1994
Ralph Strozza founded Interpro Translation Solutions, a specialized translation agency, with a vision to fill the market gap identified through years of industry experience. The agency focuses on software localization, and online Help and document translation services.

“This is how Interpro Translation Solutions came to be founded in October 1994, with actual operations beginning in March 1995. My experience over the previous ten years in the industry dictated how I wanted to approach this.”

Ralph’s vision for a translation company that put people and quality first came to life over the following 30 years.

Collage of Interpro employees and supporters over 25 years in business

Some images of Interpro over the past 30 years. To all who have contributed to Interpro’s success: we thank you.

March 1995
Official operations begin with Ralph’s clear set of foundational principles:

  • In-country translators who live and breathe their language daily for accurate, idiomatic translations and other language-based service offerings
  • Team-based approach using established language companies rather than freelancers to ensure uninterrupted quality translation services
  • State-of-the-art technology for consistency, efficiency, and faster turnaround, particularly for PDF translation and other document translation services
  • In-house localization engineers for software processing, specializing in Agile Localization methodologies before they became an industry standard
  • Partner-based, consultative, solutions-oriented approach to language translation services
  • Quality-focused “Nordstrom, not Walmart” pricing philosophy for professional translation services

“First, the professional translators, revisers, and proofreaders needed to be based in-country where they spoke and lived their language day in, day out. This was the fundamental ingredient needed to produce a quality product, in my opinion.”

“Our approach was going to be partner-based, consultative, and solutions-oriented. The objective was to cultivate long-term relationships by providing a transparent, scalable, and cost-effective quality service.”

“When prospects would inquire about pricing, my response was always – and remains to this day – that we will rarely be their lowest price option out of the gate. However, Interpro would prove to be a cost-effective long-term solution. Think Nordstrom, not Walmart, is an analogy I would often make.”

Some Interpro team members over the decades

 

1995-2025: Three Decades of Growth and Evolution

Late 1990s
As the internet transforms global business, Ralph’s company expands to offer website localization, online translation services, and the first generation of eCommerce localization services.

Early 2000s
He develops capabilities in multimedia translation, including voice over translation and early forms of video translation services as digital media becomes more prevalent in business communication.

2010s
Ralph then moves to mobile and cloud technologies, adding specialized services for multimedia and video translation, like subtitle translation, SRT translation, and WebVTT translation for the growing video market. He then expands Interpro’s eLearning localization services as corporate training goes digital, offering specialized Captivate translation, Storyline translation, and Rise translation solutions.

Early 2020s
Ralph guides the company to obtain ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 17100:2015 (Translation Services) certifications, ensuring rigorous quality management and translation standards. These certifications allow the organization to provide ATC-certified translations, giving clients confidence of always receiving the highest level of quality and service.

Technology Transformation
From the early days of dial-up internet (when only one person could be online at a time), fax machines, floppy disks, and revolutionary Adobe Acrobat, Ralph witnesses and adapts to the complete digital transformation of the translation industry. He introduces new interpreting services, including webinar interpreting and translation, as well as remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI), to meet evolving client needs.

“During the past thirty years, much has changed. Dial-up access to the ‘worldwide web’ (for those of us who remember it), meant having only one person being able to access the internet at a time. Faxes were considered high-tech. Translated product was delivered on floppy disks, or on CDs for the technically advanced.”

Business Philosophy Maintained
Despite massive technological changes, the core principles established at Interpro’s founding remain the foundation of the organization, proving as relevant in 2025 as they were in 1995. Ralph’s commitment to quality in legal translation services, healthcare and medical translation services, and certified translations services never wavers.

Client Relationships
Ralph’s initial vision of cultivating hundreds of long-term clients working with Interpro for decades, rather than thousands of one-time projects is achieved.

Many clients rely on Interpro for complex desktop publishing services and InDesign translation, as well as document translation, including survey translation, and Agile translation methodologies for fast-moving projects.

“Rather than having thousands of clients and one-and-done projects, we would have hundreds of clients working with us for decades, referring us to colleagues, other contacts, or their new employer if they moved on to a new position.”

Interpro clients and partners have contributed to Interpro’s success

 

2025: 30th Anniversary Milestone

Looking Back and Forward
Ralph celebrates 30 years of Interpro Translation Solutions and reflects on the 60-year journey that began in a Chicago area basement. His story is a testament to how a childhood fascination with language can grow into a successful global business, offering translation services online and beyond.

Service Portfolio
Interpro Translation Solutions now offers a comprehensive suite of services including:

Founder’s Reflection

“My love of languages—ignited in a basement sixty years ago—and fascination with translation technology have not waned over the years. If anything, they were enhanced by the Interpro experience. Many people say that to work at what you love is the dream. I suppose, then, that I’m living mine. Despite the many challenges inherent in founding and building an organization over a thirty-year span (and counting), Interpro has been, and continues to be, my dream job.”

“As I look at how I approached what I wanted the Company to become, I am very happy to see that the cornerstones of our operating model, established at Interpro’s infancy, continue to be the foundation of our organization, and are as relevant in 2025 as they were in 1995.”

Some Interpro Team members in 2025

Trust Interpro as Your Next Translation and Interpreting Partner

With 30 incredible years in business, Interpro has the experience and expertise to help your business effectively communicate your brand’s message across different languages and cultures.

Ready to get started? Contact us today and make your next translation project easier.

The post Interpro Celebrates 30 Years in Business and a 60-Year Journey Through Time appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

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The Ultimate Guide on How to Ensure Quality Translations https://www.interproinc.com/quality-translations/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:57:55 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=420 Quality translations are essential for effectively communicating across languages. We’ll teach you how to ensure that your translations meet the highest international standards of quality for translation accuracy, localization for cultural relevance, and a professional workflow that reduces effort for your team.  Effective communication is fundamental for businesses to succeed in today’s globalized world. The…

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Quality translations are essential for effectively communicating across languages. We’ll teach you how to ensure that your translations meet the highest international standards of quality for translation accuracy, localization for cultural relevance, and a professional workflow that reduces effort for your team. 

Effective communication is fundamental for businesses to succeed in today’s globalized world. The need to communicate across multiple languages can be a significant challenge without the right translation and localization partner. This level of communication requires linguistic skills and an understanding of cultural nuances and industry-specific jargon.

Topics covered in this article:

  • What is a good quality translation?
  • How do you ensure a good quality translation?
  • ISO Certified Translation Companies
  • Certified Translations
  • Workmanship Guarantees
  • A Thorough Quality Assurance Process
  • Next Steps: 13 Best Practices to Ensure Quality Translations

What is a good quality translation?

A high-quality translation goes beyond merely converting text from one language to another. It involves localization, which means accurately and culturally conveying the original tone, nuances, and intent to the target audience.

Additionally, it requires efficient and effective management of translation projects, ensuring a repeatable process with excellent customer service. High-quality standards are essential when choosing a translation company.

There are various ways to assess if your translation agency is producing quality translated and localized content. We will outline the key indicators that can help you determine if a translation company is likely to deliver high-quality results.

How do you ensure a good quality translation?

Quality in translation can vary depending on the specific needs of a project, such as the type of content, target audience, and industry standards. However, a company offering certified translations, ISO certifications, workmanship guarantees, and a rigorous quality assurance process will likely deliver high-quality translations.

The translation industry’s complexity makes the quest for quality an ongoing challenge, but there are clear paths you can follow to ensure the highest quality translations.

For instance, recognizing the importance of the different quality standards, particularly those established by the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, becomes essential. This article delves deeper into how businesses can make sure they’re getting quality translations with a certified translation company by their side.

ISO-Certified Translation Companies

ISO certifications are a hallmark of quality in the translation industry, offering clients reassurance that the company adheres to internationally recognized standards. Two specific ISO certifications are particularly relevant for translation companies: ISO 9001 and ISO 17100.

ISO 9001 – Quality Management

This certification can apply to a wide range of industries. It ensures the company consistently meets customer and regulatory requirements. In a translation agency, ISO 9001 certification indicates that the translation company has implemented processes and procedures designed to produce high-quality translations consistently. This includes everything from project management to customer feedback loops, all aimed at continual improvement and customer satisfaction.

ISO 17100 – Translation

This certification is specifically tailored to the translation industry. It focuses on the qualifications of translators, the core translation process, and the post-translation review procedures. ISO 17100 requires that all translators working for a certified company have the necessary qualifications, whether through formal education, extensive experience, or both. The certification also mandates a multi-step review process, including independent proofreading, to ensure the highest quality of translation.

To Summarize: Working with an ISO-certified translation company means that you can expect a higher level of professionalism, consistent quality, and a commitment to continuous improvement. These certifications also ensure that the company has a robust process for managing projects, which is crucial for meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy across large volumes of work.

Why Choose an ISO-Certified Translation Company?

Companies that provide all their services in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 have demonstrated their ability to consistently offer services that meet customer and regulatory requirements, while also committing to enhance customer satisfaction.

Choosing a translation company like Interpro, which deeply knows why ISO certifications matter, is critical for several reasons:

Consistency in Quality: Standardized procedures under ISO certifications guarantee that every project is handled in a manner that minimizes errors and ensures high-quality output every time. This consistency is crucial for businesses needing reliable translations across multiple projects and languages.

Enhanced Quality Assurance: ISO-certified companies apply rigorous quality assurance protocols. Their processes are designed to identify and rectify errors, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of translations.

Expertise and Professionalism: With requirements for translators’ qualifications clearly outlined, ISO-certified companies ensure that only skilled and experienced professionals work on your translations, enhancing the final product’s quality and accuracy.

Confidentiality: Security and confidentiality are critical in the translation industry, especially when handling sensitive information. ISO certifications require robust information security management systems, ensuring that client data is protected.

Customer Satisfaction: The procedures and systems established by ISO-certified companies are also designed to ensure that the translation services meet or exceed customer expectations, leading to higher levels of client satisfaction.

Certified Translations

Certified translations are critical for documents that require an official guarantee of accuracy. These are often used in legal, medical, or government settings where precise translation is essential. A certified translation typically includes a signed statement from the translation agency attesting to the completeness and accuracy of the translation. This certification adds a layer of accountability, ensuring that the translation adheres to specific standards required by the receiving institution.

Certified translation agencies have undergone rigorous testing and have proven their ability to translate accurately and effectively between languages. This is because the translation is not just about linguistic accuracy. It also involves an understanding of the cultural and contextual implications of the source text. The translation company must ensure that the translated document conveys the same meaning and intent as the original. This is particularly important in legal documents, where a slight misinterpretation can lead to significant legal consequences.

We dive deeper into certified translations for business in these articles:

Notarized vs Certified Translations

In addition to providing a Workmanship Guarantee, some translation agencies, like Interpro, offer certified and notarized translations. But they are different.

Certified translations include the translator’s signed statement, attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation—an essential requirement for many official documents.

Notarized translations involve the translator swearing before a notary public that the translation is accurate, with the notary verifying the translator’s identity rather than the translation’s quality. Notarization is often required for legal proceedings and immigration-related documentation.

When given the choice, a certified translation is the preferred high-quality standard, but you may consider just a notarized translation if it works for your business.

Workmanship Guarantee

A workmanship guarantee is a personal commitment to you from the translation company to provide extra assurance that your project will meet your expectations. This guarantee typically means that if any errors or issues are found in the translation after delivery, the company will correct them promptly and at no additional cost. It reflects the company’s confidence in its quality assurance processes and its dedication to customer satisfaction.

Interpro’s Workmanship Guarantee is:

We want you to be as confident in your translations as we are, so we stand by our work with a Guarantee of Workmanship on every project Interpro delivers.

Interpro’s experienced professionals follow ISO-certified processes, methodologies, and multilevel quality assurance steps. These are specifically designed to consistently ensure successful project outcomes.

Because of this, we are confident in saying:

Should any deliverable not conform to your project’s requirements, we will prioritize correcting any errors at no additional cost.

Total client satisfaction is our undisputed number one objective, and our job is to achieve that for each and every client.

Our goal is to reassure you that you will receive a high-quality product and that the company will stand behind its work, addressing any issues that may arise with professionalism and urgency.

A Thorough Quality Assurance Process

A thorough quality assurance (QA) process is essential to delivering high-quality translations consistently. In the translation industry, QA is not a single step but a multi-layered process designed to catch and correct errors at various stages of the project. This approach ensures that the final translation is accurate, culturally appropriate, and meets the client’s specific needs.

Translation: The first step in a robust QA process is the initial translation, conducted by a skilled translator who is a native speaker of the target language and a subject matter expert in the relevant field. This expertise ensures that the translation is not only linguistically accurate but also contextually relevant and technically precise.

Proofreading: After the initial translation, the document typically undergoes a proofreading stage. This step involves a different professional, often a second translator, who reviews the text for grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and mistranslations. This independent review is crucial as it brings a fresh perspective, making it more likely to catch errors that the original translator might have missed.

Editing: Next, the document may go through an editing phase, where the focus shifts to style, tone, and overall readability. The editor ensures that the translation flows naturally in the target language and adheres to any client-specific guidelines, such as tone of voice or industry-specific terminology.

Quality Assurance and Validation: Finally, a QA process often includes a final review or quality check, where the document is compared against the original text to ensure that all content has been accurately translated and nothing has been omitted or misinterpreted. Additional validation steps may be added for more complicated projects, such as eLearning localization or accessibility projects.

Next Steps: 13 Best Practices to Ensure Quality Translations

To maintain high standards of translation quality, it is necessary to follow certain best practices throughout the translation process. These include:

1. Start at the Source

Begin by making your source text as clear and straightforward as possible. Writing with translation in mind can significantly reduce potential issues during the translation process. This includes avoiding idiomatic expressions, cultural references that may not translate well, and overly complex sentence structures. A well-crafted source file serves as the foundation for a smooth translation process.

2. Designate a Point of Contact

Assign a dedicated point of contact (POC) within your organization who will be responsible for managing the translation project. This person should be available to answer questions, provide additional context, and make decisions as needed. Having a POC streamlines communication, ensuring that the translation team has access to the information they need to deliver accurate and timely translations.

3. Establish Project Guidelines and Turnaround Time

Before the translation process begins, establish clear project guidelines and a realistic turnaround time. This includes defining the scope, deadlines, and quality expectations. Communicate these guidelines to your translation partner to ensure that both parties are aligned on the project’s objectives and timelines.

4. Provide Source Files and Resources

Supply your translation team with all relevant source files, including any reference materials, previous translations, brand guidelines, and glossaries. Providing these resources upfront ensures that the translation team has everything they need to produce consistent and accurate translations that align with your brand’s voice and terminology.

5. Provide Examples of Successful Translations

If you’re starting a new partnership, provide examples of previous translations that either met or fell short of your expectations. This helps the translation team understand your preferred communication style and any specific nuances you want to capture in the translated content.

6. Develop Glossaries and Style Guides

Work with your translation partner to develop customized, multilingual glossaries and style guides. These tools ensure that terminology, tone, and style are consistent across all documents, contributing to a cohesive brand message. Regularly update these resources to reflect changes in your brand or industry.

7. Employ Native Speakers

Choose a translation agency that employs native speakers of the target language who are also subject matter experts in your industry. Native speakers have a deeper understanding of cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and local contexts, which enhances the accuracy and relevance of the translation.

8. Adapt for Local Culture

Localization is key to ensuring that translated content resonates with the target audience. This involves more than just translating text; it requires adapting content to fit the cultural context, preferences, and expectations of the target audience. Understand the differences between localization and translation to ensure that your content is both culturally and linguistically appropriate.

9. Use Advanced Technology

Teams that leverage advanced translation technology, such as translation memory tools and glossaries, will maintain consistency and efficiency throughout the project. These tools help translators avoid repetition, maintain terminology consistency, reduce costs and reduce turnaround times, particularly for large or ongoing projects.

10. Implement Multi-Step Quality Checks

Quality assurance should be an integral part of the translation process. Implement a multi-step quality check system, including proofreading and editing by separate professionals. This helps catch errors, ensure readability, and improve the overall quality of the final product.

11. Get Involved in the Quality Assurance Process

Quality assurance is an ongoing process that benefits from your active involvement. Consider working with an Internal Country Reviewer (ICR) who can provide feedback on the translation. Involve trusted community members or employees who speak the language to review the content and offer insights that can improve the translation’s accuracy and cultural relevance.

12. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Translation is an iterative process. Encourage feedback from your translation partner and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine processes and enhance the quality of future translations.

13. Develop a Long-Term Partnership

Building a long-term relationship with your translation agency is crucial for consistent, high-quality translations. A trusted partner who understands your brand, industry, and target audience can deliver more effective and culturally resonant translations over time. Invest in this relationship to ensure ongoing success in your multilingual communication efforts.

Ultimately, an unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, professional expertise, and customer satisfaction is what sets a good translation agency apart from a great one. Remember, when your business crosses borders, quality translations don’t just convey words; they bridge cultures and connect worlds.

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The Ultimate Guide on How to Interview and Select a Translation Agency https://www.interproinc.com/translation-agency/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:57:26 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=418 Translation agency quality can vary greatly depending on the company’s processes, linguists, and customer service. Learn to effectively evaluate and select a translation agency that not only meets your company’s linguistic needs, but also understands and respects cultural nuances, ensuring high-quality, context-appropriate translations. When you’re trying to bring your brand or message across cultural and…

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Translation agency quality can vary greatly depending on the company’s processes, linguists, and customer service. Learn to effectively evaluate and select a translation agency that not only meets your company’s linguistic needs, but also understands and respects cultural nuances, ensuring high-quality, context-appropriate translations.

When you’re trying to bring your brand or message across cultural and linguistic divides, partnering with the right translation agency is pivotal. At Interpro Translation Solutions, we’ve found that the process goes far beyond mere language conversion; it’s about ensuring that every word resonates within its intended context, embracing cultural nuances and expectations.

Identifying the best partner for translation services requires a discerning approach during the interview phase. Here’s how to tailor your interview to uncover whether a translation company is the right fit for your needs – complete with critical questions to guide your selection process.

Topics covered in this article:

  • Questions About Localization Expertise
  • Questions to Assess Translation Quality
  • Questions to Evaluate Their Translation Process
  • Questions About “Future-Proofing” Translation Services
  • Questions About Translation Cost and Operational Considerations

Questions About Localization Expertise

Localization is a nuanced field that demands more than linguistic skill; it calls for an intimate understanding of cultural nuances, preferences and norms. Knowing the difference between localization and translation will help you further assess a company’s capabilities. When interviewing a potential translation company, consider the following questions:

  1. Can you provide examples of your localization projects similar to our industry?
    This question helps you understand the company’s experience level and whether they’ve dealt with projects similar to yours.
  2. Are your translators separated by subject matter expertise?
    You want to hear that they pair translators not just by the language, but also their experience with translating documents for your specific industry – no matter if it’s legal, medical, manufacturing, or technical in nature.
  3. How do you ensure that translations are culturally appropriate and sensitive for the target market?
    The answer should give you an insight into their process for addressing cultural nuances and sensitivities.
  4. How do you manage idioms, jargon, or industry-specific terminology that may not have direct equivalents in the target language?
    Their answer will provide insight into how they tackle one of the most challenging aspects of translation, ensuring the intended meaning isn’t lost or misrepresented.
  5. Can you explain a project where you faced significant localization challenges and how you overcame them?
    This will reflect their problem-solving capabilities and adaptability to unforeseen challenges, showcasing their experience and innovative approaches to overcoming barriers.
  6. What is your process for selecting and vetting in-country translators?
    A robust selection process is critical for ensuring that translators aren’t just linguistically adept but are also deeply familiar with the cultural context of your target audience.

Questions to Assess Translation Quality

Quality cannot be compromised when it comes to translation. Here are some questions to ascertain a company’s commitment to quality and standards:

  1. Do you hold any certifications, such as ISO, related to translation quality?
    Certified translations are a testament to a company’s adherence to international quality standards in their translation processes.
  2. How do you handle revisions or errors in translations?
    Look for companies that offer a workmanship guarantee, indicating their commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
  3. What methodologies do you use for maintaining consistency across multiple translations?
    Consistency in voice and terminology, especially for large or ongoing projects, is essential for brand integrity. Their strategy for achieving this speaks volumes about their operational excellence.
  4. How do you ensure your translations meet legal and regulatory requirements for different countries?
    For certain industries, this can be a deal-breaker. A company’s proficiency in navigating the legal landscapes of target markets ensures your content is not just culturally apt but also compliant.

Questions to Evaluate Their Translation Process

Understanding a company’s translation process can give you insights into their efficiency, accuracy, and approach to risk mitigation. Consider these questions:

  1. Can you describe your end-to-end translation process, including quality assurance steps?
    A detailed explanation should reveal a comprehensive approach involving translators, proofreaders, and perhaps domain experts.
  2. How do you handle projects that require both human and AI translation?
    This will show their flexibility and how they balance quality with cost and speed, depending on the project’s nature. In the end, you’ll want to make sure they are following AI translation best practices.
  3. What technology do you use to ensure efficiency and accuracy in your translations?
    The use of translation memory software, for instance, can enhance both speed and consistency, offering potential cost savings for repeat projects.
  4. Do you have a dedicated project manager for each project?
    Communication is key in any project. Knowing there’s a go-to person for all your needs and queries throughout the translation process can significantly ease coordination efforts.
  5. What is your typical turnaround time?
    If they can provide you an estimate like “most video projects are turned around in two weeks”, you know they have a standard process and can consistently deliver projects according to a preset timeline.

Questions About “Future-Proofing” Translation Services

As your brand grows, your translation needs might expand too. It’s essential to partner with a company that can scale with you:

  1. Do you offer services for less commonly spoken languages or dialects?
    Their answer will indicate how well they can accommodate future expansions into more diverse linguistic territories.
  2. How do you stay updated with the latest trends in translation and localization?
    Ensuring the company invests in continued learning and technology adoption can be critical for long-term partnerships.
  3. What is your capacity for scaling up services in response to growing project volumes?
    This will help assess whether they can handle your growth or if you might have to switch providers down the line, which could disrupt consistency.
  4. How do you incorporate client feedback into your process for continuous improvement?
    A company that actively seeks and utilizes client feedback is one that values growth and client satisfaction, indicating a partner interested in long-term relationships.

Questions About Translation Cost and Operational Considerations

Clarifying the logistical side of your partnership is equally as crucial as the service quality. To expand on the financial and operational aspects:

  1. What is your pricing structure, and how do you ensure transparency in billing?
    Understanding billing practices upfront can prevent surprises down the line.
  2. Can you share case studies or client testimonials related to our field?
    Real-life examples and feedback can provide a tangible sense of their capability and reliability.
  3. How do you handle confidentiality and data security, especially for sensitive or proprietary information?
    In today’s digital age, ensuring your data’s security is paramount. Understanding their policies and safeguards will help protect your intellectual property.
  4. What is your standard turnaround time, and do you offer expedited services?
    Knowing the expected timeline helps with project planning, while understanding options for expedited services provides flexibility for urgent needs.
  5. Can you provide detailed breakdowns of past projects, including challenges faced and solutions provided?
    This request can give you a concrete understanding of their approach and effectiveness, providing a glimpse into how they might handle your projects.

Concluding your search for the perfect translation company should leave you confident in your choice, knowing they can meet your current needs and grow with you. The insight gained from asking the right questions during the interview process will be invaluable in making an informed decision. This meticulous approach ensures that the company you select is not just a service provider, but a quality translation partner in your global journey – one that is capable of turning linguistic barriers into bridges that connect your brand with the world.

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The Ultimate Guide to Localization vs. Translation: Do You Know the Difference? https://www.interproinc.com/translation-vs-localization/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:23:07 +0000 https://interprostgstg.wpenginepowered.com/?p=414 Localization and translation are both essential but serve different roles in multilingual communication. This blog defines each and the distinctions between the two, emphasizing why localization goes beyond translation to adapt content culturally and contextually for multilingual audiences. In today’s global marketplace, telling your brand’s story across cultural and linguistic boundaries can be challenging. As…

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Localization and translation are both essential but serve different roles in multilingual communication. This blog defines each and the distinctions between the two, emphasizing why localization goes beyond translation to adapt content culturally and contextually for multilingual audiences.

In today’s global marketplace, telling your brand’s story across cultural and linguistic boundaries can be challenging. As a leader in the language services industry, Interpro Translation Solutions knows the key isn’t just translation—it’s localization. Let’s explore why both are critical when analyzing how to choose a translation company.

Topics covered in this article:

  • What are the differences between translation and localization?
  • What is translation?
  • What is localization?
  • Translation vs Localization Example
  • Commonly Localized Elements
  • Why Localization Matters in Business
  • Localization Examples by Industry
  • Next Steps: Translation is One Part of the Localization Process

What are the differences between translation and localization?

Translation and localization may seem similar, but they serve different purposes. Translation transforms the text, but localization transforms the content entirely.

Translation converts text from one language to another and aspires to language accuracy, while localization adapts content to fit the cultural norms and preferences of the target audience to ensure cultural relevance.

What is Translation?

In its simplest form, translation means taking your message and changing it into another language, so people from different parts of the world can understand it. It’s all about making sure the words match from one language to another.

What is Localization?

Localization goes a step further; it’s about making sure your message feels right at home in another culture. This means not just changing your words into another language but also considering local customs, humor, the audience, and tone of voice.

In essence, while translation handles the linguistic part of the communication, localization ensures the message is culturally and contextually tailored to the audience, making the entire experience feel native to them.

Another way to think about it: Both translation and localization are essential for talking to the world—the first makes sure you’re heard, and the second makes sure you’re understood.

While translation opens the door to a new language, localization invites people in, makes them comfortable, and helps them understand your brand in a way that feels specially tailored for them.

To learn about localization further, read What is Localization and Why is it Important?

Translation vs. Localization Example

Here’s a table translating “hello”:

Language Translation
French Bonjour
German Guten Tag

But do you want a formal greeting or an informal greeting? Depending on your brand and target audience, this is a simple example of localization and changing the content based on your intended message.

Here’s the same table with both informal and formal localizations and how this very simple tone shift would change the translation:

WAYS TO SAY HELLO!

LANGUAGE FORMAL INFORMAL

LOCALIZATION

French Bonjour Salut Allô; Hey; Bon matin (Good morning) – Common ways to say “hello” in Quebec!
German Guten Tag Hallo Grüß Gott; Grüß dich; Servus – Common ways to say “hello” in southern Germany and Austria!

Commonly Localized Elements

Localization also takes into account colors, imagery, idioms and so many other nuances that may not translate well and could adjust these to better appeal to the local market.

Here are some elements that commonly need to be localized:

  • Language nuances, jokes, slang, idioms
  • Date
  • Time
  • Measurement units (metric vs. imperial)
  • Currency
  • Phone numbers
  • Websites
  • SEO, keywords, metadata, tags, product descriptions
  • Graphic Text
  • Icons
  • Colors
  • Tone/directness
  • Legal compliance to laws and regulations
  • Right-to-left (RTL) language support
  • Space and formatting
  • Non-English script support (Russian, Japanese, Greek, Hindi, etc)

This is why Interpro offers localization consulting with expert advice for any project in any industry. This service is all about making sure your content fits the language and culture of its new audience, including the specific words and sensitivities of different sectors.

Why Localization Matters in Business

Localization is crucial for scaling a business globally because it enhances communication. It makes your message clear and culturally appropriate, helping international audiences understand, connect, and trust your brand.

Building trust can increase sales and brand loyalty by showing respect for local cultures and languages, and improve user experience by adapting products and services to meet local preferences. Additionally, localization boosts market reach by addressing language barriers and local nuances, increases competitive advantage by differentiating your brand from competitors, and ensures compliance with local legal and regulatory standards.

Franchise Company Example: McDonald’s is a prime example of a company that has used localization to successfully grow internationally. In different countries, McDonald’s tailors its menu to local tastes and preferences. For instance, in India, where beef is not widely consumed for religious reasons, McDonald’s offers the Chicken Maharaja Mac and the McAloo Tikki burger. In Japan, they have introduced items like the Teriyaki McBurger. This localization strategy has helped McDonald’s resonate with local customers, driving global expansion and increasing market share in diverse regions.

Single Document Example: While translation might accurately convert an English user manual into Spanish, localization would ensure that the measurements in the manual are converted to the metric system if it’s being used in a country that prefers metric units. It would also ensure the customer service line goes to local business that speaks the language.

Interpro is a company that illustrates the comprehensive approach to localization, offering services to help clients’ content resonate within each specific cultural and linguistic framework. We engage native speakers with an in-depth understanding of local customs to ensure their translations are not only accurate but also culturally relevant.

Furthermore, we offer our clients specialized translation and localization services for a wide range of applications, including eLearning materials, documents, videos, websites, and software. Here are just some that we assist with:

Localization Examples by Industry

Interpro places a strong emphasis on the industry-specific requirements that necessitate a deep understanding of localization.

Associations & Nonprofit Localization

Interpro enhances outreach by localizing content to resonate with diverse communities while preserving the core message.

For example, a global nonprofit organization used Interpro’s services to translate their website materials into multiple languages. Localization included adapting educational content and communication to reflect local cultural values and traditions, ensuring that their message was both respectful and compelling across different regions. This approach led to increased engagement and understanding among members.

eLearning & Education Localization

Interpro transforms educational content to align with local learning styles and cultural contexts.

For instance, an international eLearning platform worked with Interpro to localize their training modules for various markets. This involved not only translating text but also adapting examples, idioms, and scenarios to be culturally relevant. By incorporating local educational practices and sensitivities, the platform improved learner engagement and satisfaction, leading to better educational outcomes and broader acceptance in new regions.

Healthcare & Medical Localization

Interpro prioritizes precision and cultural sensitivity in medical translations to ensure patient safety and compliance.

For example, a benefits company used Interpro to translate patient benefits and clinical documentation. Localization involved adapting medical terms and instructions to match local medical practices and regulatory requirements. This meticulous approach prevented potential misunderstandings and ensured that patients received accurate and culturally appropriate information, thereby safeguarding health outcomes and enhancing regulatory compliance.

Human Resources Localization

Interpro customizes HR materials to meet local legal and cultural expectations.

For instance, a multinational corporation relied on Interpro to translate and localize their employee handbooks and training programs. Localization included adjusting workplace policies and benefits descriptions to align with local labor laws and cultural norms. This ensured that employees in different regions received clear, compliant, and culturally relevant HR information, which helped improve employee satisfaction and reduce legal risks.

Manufacturing Localization

Interpro adapts technical documentation and operational instructions to local standards and practices.

For example, a global manufacturing company worked with Interpro to localize their equipment manuals and safety guidelines for various international markets. Localization involved translating technical terms and units of measurement, as well as adapting safety protocols to comply with local regulations. This enabled the company to maintain consistent quality and safety standards while efficiently serving diverse global markets.

eCommerce Localization

Interpro localizes online shopping experiences to cater to regional preferences and behaviors.

For example, an international eCommerce platform used Interpro to translate and localize their website and product descriptions. Localization included adapting currency formats, payment methods, and marketing messages to align with local shopping habits and preferences. This approach enhanced user experience, increased conversion rates, and boosted sales across different regions by making the online shopping experience more relevant and accessible.

Travel Localization

Interpro tailors travel content to reflect local customs and preferences.

For instance, a global travel agency partnered with Interpro to localize their promotional materials, travel guides, and booking platforms. Localization involved translating travel recommendations and itineraries into local languages while considering cultural norms and tourism trends. This ensured that the content resonated with travelers from different regions, enhancing their engagement and satisfaction with the agency’s offerings and services.

These examples showcase the depth of cultural understanding required in localization. Interpro’s focus on such diversity highlights its dedication to delivering content that is not just linguistically accurate but also culturally relevant and sensitive.

What About AI Translation & Localization?

While human translation remains the gold standard, tight timelines or constrained budgets can come into play. That’s where AI translation services emerge as an attractive alternative.

But can this technology effectively localize content? Sometimes.

Interpro has stepped forward with innovative AI Translation Services that marry the efficiency of artificial intelligence with the nuanced understanding of human experts. This hybrid approach provides a more time and cost-effective solution for language needs while acknowledging the limitations of AI in capturing the subtleties of cultural localization.

AI translation is less error-prone when applied to more straightforward content types, such as instructions, technical specifications, and user manuals. However, with content that has more emotional depth or marketing messages aimed at specific cultural groups, the technology is limited due to its lack of localization capabilities. Learn more about implementing AI translation into your company’s processes.

Next Steps: Translation is One Part of the Localization Process

Translation is the process of converting text from one language to another, preserving the meaning and context as much as possible. On the other hand, localization goes beyond mere translation; it involves adapting a product or content to a particular locale’s language and cultural context. This means considering regional differences, cultural nuances, customs, and even local regulations.

If you’re wondering how to choose a translation company, it’s critical to understand that the company should not just provide translation services but be a localization agency at the core of their processes. Localization is one of the most important aspects to ensure communication success.

Here’s a list of next step action points for choosing a translation company:

  1. Verify Translators are Native Speakers with Cultural and Industry Expertise: Ensure the company employs native speakers who live in the target language’s country and are professional translators specializing in localizing your industry’s content.
  2. Check Quality Assurance Processes: Look for a company that uses different native speakers for translation and proofreading to guarantee accuracy and cultural alignment. Look for things like certified translations, ISO certifications, workmanship guarantees, and extensive quality assurance processes.
  3. Consider a Localization Consultation with Interpro: These are free for any company looking for a translation partner and will ensure you understand the localization requirements for your specific project. We can help you determine if you need localization assistance (and how much localization is required).

Knowing the difference between localization and translation is key for global brand success. Interpro emphasizes the importance of going beyond basic translation to fully grasp cultural nuances, specific industry language, and the newest technology. We also take pride in our tailored services, expert advice, and high-quality commitment.

By paying attention to the details of localization, we help brands like yours connect meaningfully with people worldwide. After all, in the global marketplace, it’s more than just talking the language—it’s about speaking it in a way that’s culturally insightful and sensitive.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Localization vs. Translation: Do You Know the Difference? appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

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