Cloud CAT Systems: Smartcat, Memsource, Crowdin

Cloud vs Desktop: Key Differences

Desktop CAT systems (SDL Trados, memoQ) are installed on the translator's computer. Cloud systems work through a browser. This isn't just a difference in interface — it's a fundamentally different approach to organizing work:

• Access — a cloud system is accessible from any device, including tablets. Desktop is tied to a specific computer (or a USB license key).
• Collaboration — in the cloud, multiple translators work on the same file simultaneously, seeing changes in real time. Desktop requires exchanging packages.
• Updates — cloud systems update automatically. Desktop requires manual updates and compatibility checks.
• Data storage — TMs and terminology databases are stored on the provider's servers. For some clients this is an advantage (no infrastructure needed), for others — a risk (confidentiality).

Smartcat: Marketplace + CAT + TMS

Smartcat (founded 2016, headquartered in the USA) is simultaneously a CAT system, a translator marketplace, and a translation management system (TMS). Positioned as an "all-in-one" solution.

Key features:

• Online editor — fast, supports 60+ formats. TM, glossaries, MT suggestions integrated into the editor. Concordance search, QA checks.
• Marketplace — database of 500,000+ translators. Automatic matching by language pair, specialization, and rating. For agencies — the ability to quickly find a freelancer.
• AI translation — built-in AI models for draft translation. Support for DeepL, Google MT, Amazon Translate, proprietary Smartcat AI model.
• Automation — workflow configuration: file upload → MT → post-editing → QA → delivery. API for CMS integration.

Pricing: free plan for freelancers (up to 3 projects). For agencies — from $150/month (Business), from $350/month (Enterprise).

Phrase TMS (formerly Memsource)

Memsource (founded 2010, Czech Republic) was rebranded as Phrase in 2023 after merging with Phrase (a localization platform). One of the most mature cloud TMS tools on the market.

Key features:

• 50+ file formats — including XLIFF, SDLXLIFF, MIF, JSON, PO, YAML, PHP, HTML, XML, DITA. Filters are configurable via regular expressions.
• Automatic task assignment — the system assigns translators by language pair and availability. Multi-step workflow support: translation → editing → proofreading.
• Phrase AI — Phrase Language AI for MT output quality evaluation, automatic selection of the best MT engine for specific content.
• REST API — full-featured API for integration with any system. Ready-made connectors for WordPress, Drupal, Contentful, Figma, GitHub.

Pricing: from $120/month (Team), from $275/month (Business), Enterprise — upon request. 30-day free trial.

Crowdin: Focus on Software Localization

Crowdin (founded 2009, Estonia) was originally created for software and web application localization. Today it's one of the leading platforms for continuous localization.

Key features:

• Repository integration — GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket. Automatic synchronization: when new content is pushed to the repository, Crowdin creates a translation task.
• In-Context — the translator sees the string in the UI context (screenshot or live URL). Reduces errors by 40–60% compared to "blind" translation.
• Crowdin Apps — app marketplace: integrations with Jira, Slack, Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD.
• Community Edition — free version for open source projects. Thousands of projects use Crowdin for crowdsourced translation.

Pricing: free for open source. For business — from $50/month (Team), from $250/month (Business), Enterprise — upon request.

Comparative Overview

Key differences between the three platforms:

• Smartcat — best choice when you need a translator marketplace + CAT + TMS in one place. Suitable for agencies looking to scale without hiring in-house translators.
• Phrase — optimal for agencies and corporate translation departments with established processes. Strongest in workflow automation and analytics.
• Crowdin — leader for software localization and continuous localization. If your content is code, JSON, PO files, and interfaces, Crowdin is the obvious choice.

Which Cloud CAT System We Use

At Translation Agency "Universal", we work with Phrase TMS for projects where the client prefers a cloud environment, and with Smartcat — when quick access to external translators for rare language pairs is needed. For written translation of large projects, we prefer desktop solutions (Trados, memoQ); for technical translation of software and documentation — Crowdin or Phrase.

Tool selection always depends on the project. We consult clients and recommend the optimal platform — without being tied to any particular vendor.