Ironically, one of the biggest stumbling blocks to efficient multilingual content management has been the absence of software to “translate” incompatible formats and requests between CMS and translation management (TMS) technologies. In the last two weeks, Toronto-based Clay Tablet announced partnerships with TMS vendors to begin providing any-to-any connectivity between CMS and TMS.

Translation and localization have been both hurt and helped by the web. Pricing transparency, online marketing by everyone, and the internet’s lower barriers to entry have hurt. However, those problems are outweighed by fundamental changes in how people will translate and localize, overturning Generally Understood Localization Principles in the process.

This week the French Senate ratified the London Agreement, making it easier for inventors to file patent applications that are valid across Europe. It may also revive the idea of the Community Patent, after numerous failed attempts. Innovators rejoice, while translation agencies that specialize in patent translations must review their business plans.

Last week, Common Sense Advisory led a colloquium on vendor management with 35 language services buyers. Hosted by Yahoo! in Silicon Valley, the goal of the colloquium was to allow companies to discuss their strategies without the pressure of salespeople and without the time constraints of regular conferences.