Language professionals are becoming more interested in using open source software in their work. Fortunately, the choice of CAT tools running on Linux has grown considerably over the last few years. Although many have been reluctant to switch from proprietary CAT tools to less expensive or even free open source alternatives, there is no denying that the options available are versatile, simple to use and efficient. This list is intended primarily for professional translators who use Linux in their day-to-day work.

Anaphraseus

An open-source translation memory integrated into OpenOffice.org. Anaphraseus was developed to work with the Wordfast TM format, but it can also export and import files in TMX format.

EsperantiloTM

An open-source translation memory application written in Tcl/Tk. Supports HTML, Open Document Format and XML, and the interchange formats TMX and XLIFF.

OmegaT

A free translation memory application written in Java. Some of its features include translation memory, fuzzy matching, and support for glossaries.

Sun’s Open Language Tools

Open Language Tools was originally developed for the localization of the company’s own documentation and written in Java. File types supported are: HTML, Docbook SGML, JSP, XML, OpenOffice.org: sxw, sxc, sxi; Open Document Format: odw, odc, odi; Plain text.

Transolution

An open-source translation memory application written in the Python scripting language. Almost any content can be localized with Transolution as long as there is a filter for it (XML, SGML, PO, RTF, StarOffice/ OpenOffice).