Frequently Asked Questions → Project
- Why is IBM undertaking the ¡TradúceloAhora! initiative?
- Is there a quick reference guide available for users?
- How does the translation software used in ¡TradúceloAhora! compare to other available products?
- Why is IBM concerned about Translation Software when most Latinos are comfortable in English?
- Who are the community partners?
- How do the schools intend to use the translation software?
- What kind of feedback is IBM looking for and how will it work?
- Are there limitations to the translation software?
1. Why is IBM undertaking the ¡TradúceloAhora! initiative?
IBM has a strong commitment to helping Hispanics bridge the Digital Divide by providing them with access to information on the web in Spanish. IBM also is interested in using this innovative technology to enhance the communication between Spanish-speaking parents and English-speaking teachers ¡TradúceloAhora! is a unique partnership between IBM's extraordinary technological resources and the community, which is most in need of translation software.
2. Is there a quick reference guide available for users?
Yes. You can read the User's Guide to help users set up their accounts and begin using the web and email translation that is available as part of this grant program. The guide was written by the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network in New Jersey, which is a ¡TradúceloAhora! grant site.
2. How does the translation software used in ¡TradúceloAhora! compare to other available products?
It is as good or better than anything currently available. Automatic translation software overall is a “work in progress” and is far from perfect. However, those using the software can easily have a sense of the content on the web as well as access to the bidirectional email translations. With continuing feedback from users, IBM will continue making improvements that will increase the translation quality.
3. Why is IBM concerned about Translation Software when most Latinos are comfortable in English?
Those who are most vulnerable, and often most in need of the services provided by our non-profit partners, cannot access the tremendous resources available on the World Wide Web when the content is primarily in English. Our goal is to help this community in need bridge the Digital Divide.
4. Who are the community partners?
Hundreds of schools and nonprofit organizations around the world are participating in the grant program. Additionally, SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc. supports IBM's ¡TradúceloAhora! grant program which is helping to bridge the language divide for Spanish speakers in the areas of education, employment, and more.
5. How do the schools intend to use the translation software?
Teachers and administrators can send emails to parents/guardians of students, on school-related issues, helping improve the communication. They can also use the web translations in school libraries to seek information on school projects, scholarships, and more.
6. What kind of feedback is IBM looking for and how will it work?
What kind of feedback is IBM looking for and how will it work?
7. Are there limitations to the translation software?
The software translates web pages in real time, 500 words per second. It translates HTML text content, not images, PDF files, and Word Documents.
