Product Overview of The Rosetta Foundation
The Rosetta Foundation, now integrated with Translators Without Borders (TWB), was a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social localization and ensuring equal access to information across languages. Here’s an overview of what the foundation did and its key features and functionality:
Mission and Purpose
The Rosetta Foundation aimed to relieve poverty, support healthcare, develop education, and promote justice by providing equal access to information and knowledge across different languages. This mission aligns with the principle that access to information in one’s own language is a fundamental human right.
Key Features and Functionality
Technology Platform
- The foundation developed and utilized several key technologies, including:
- GlobalSight: An open-source Globalization Management System (GMS) that automates tasks associated with translation, review, and management of global content.
- CrowdSight: An open-source application integrated with GlobalSight, used to engage quick-turn translators for on-demand content.
- SOLAS (Service-Oriented Localization Architecture Solution): This includes SOLAS Match, which matches projects with volunteer translators, and SOLAS Productivity, a suite of translation productivity tools and technologies. SOLAS is designed based on ORM principles: Open, Right, and Minimalistic.
Community Model
- The Rosetta Foundation operated a community model that allowed volunteer translators and non-profit organizations to contribute to the translation and distribution of materials. This model was accessible through the Trommons platform, developed by the Localization Research Centre at the University of Limerick. The platform matched content with volunteer skills and interests, making it easier for anyone to sign up and contribute.
Collaboration and Partnerships
- The foundation collaborated with various non-profit partners worldwide, supporting their educational programs, campaigns, strategic communications, and advocacy efforts. This collaboration was facilitated through the Trommons platform, which allowed diverse non-profit organizations to access translation services.
Open-Source and Accessibility
- The technologies developed by The Rosetta Foundation, such as SOLAS Match, were released under open-source licenses, ensuring that they could be freely used and adapted by other organizations. This approach promoted a demand-driven rather than supply-driven approach to localization.
Merger with Translators Without Borders
In June 2017, The Rosetta Foundation merged with Translators Without Borders (TWB), combining their resources and expertise to enhance their ability to provide high-quality language services to the aid community. This merger allowed TWB to access The Rosetta Foundation’s community model, technology, and EU funding, while The Rosetta Foundation gained greater professionalization, sustainability, and access to a broader partner audience.