IBM researchers develop new text translation software

IBM researchers are helping to break the language barrier with the advent of technology dubbed "n.Fluent" - a smart software that translates text between English and 11 other languages.

Currently IBM employees use the software to instantaneously translate electronic documents and web pages - even live, instant messages exchanged on smartphones.

At the heart of n.Fluent, a remarkably successfully internal IBM crowdsourcing project, is the experience of IBM's nearly 400,000 employees in more than 170 countries, where IBM volunteers submit, update and continuously refine word translations. Every time it's used, n.Fluent "learns" and improves its translation engine.

IBM says that to date the tool has been used by IBM staff to translate more than 40 million words.

During a two-week period this past summer, volunteer linguists at IBM crowdsourced approximately 1.3 million words, averaging contributions of approximately 100,000 words per business day. Subsequent campaigns are currently underway across the company to generate and hone more language-related data.

While used exclusively within IBM right now, there is evidence that the technology would be welcomed as a product or service. Companies must enter new markets easily and quickly, and collaborate securely with far-flung employees, partners and suppliers. However, communicating effectively in spite of language differences can be time consuming, awkward, complex and costly.