Johannesburg, 13 Jan 2004
Connectivity provider Integrat and translation technology provider SDL International have developed an SMS translator for the local market.
Integrat MD Norman Parkin says Integrat came up with the concept and approached SDL, which provides the translation aspect while Integrat provides the interface. The translator can be used in SA or abroad.
"This service allows one to translate English phrases to French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and vice versa. Users can either have the phrase sent back to their phone or sent on to a friend as a mystery SMS."
Parkin says the translator can be used as a practical tool while abroad or as a game to play with friends.
"We launched the service on Friday and have been advertising it at the end of Vodacom`s 'please call me` messages. We are already seeing a couple of thousand messages sent per day, mostly to friends who are having fun with the service," he says. Parkin adds that users have to be careful as all phrases are translated directly, which could cause some word confusion.
While the translator is mainly being used for fun, Parkin says Integrat is approaching travel agents to have the product advertised as a practical tool for users who are looking to travel overseas.
Integrat is in discussion with SDL about launching it internationally. "As far as we know, the translator is the first of its kind in the world. We are investigating the possibility of launching the product in other countries as well, with a range of languages to choose from."
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