Connectors

Learn how to gain more control over your content by integrating content management systems and translation management systems via a connector.

What is a TMS connector?

A TMS connector makes it possible to transfer content from your content management system (CMS) to the TMS, using a set of protocols. There, it can be translated, whether by machine translation, professional translators, or both. Afterwards, the connector can upload the translated files back into the CMS so you can easily access them. In fact, any organization that works with high volumes of content in multiple languages could benefit from a TMS connector. For example, a company with a multilingual website and a blog that requires frequent updates can use a TMS connector from their website CMS to their LSP’s TMS.

The integrations between systems are made possible by a layer of software (a connector) based on the RESTFUL API principles of push and pull. Depending on the types of systems, these integrations can be either lightweight, which involves very little set-up, or more intricate middleware type configurations.

There are many different connector types depending on what they are used for:
  • content management system (CMS) (e.g. Wordpress)
  • e-commerce
  • customer relationship management (CRM) and customer service
  • marketing content and marketing automation
  • code repositories (e.g. GitHub)
  • product information management (PIM) system
  • cloud service solutions
  • digital asset management (DAM)

What are the benefits of using connectors?

The connectors save time, reduce file management costs, cut down turnaround times and make localization simple. You also have more control over your content and can reduce human errors since the whole process is automatic.

XTM example

XTM offers you a possibility of using different connectors that have already been established for and tested by other companies. However, you can also contact the XTM's development team for an offer of a custom-made integration with the system that is not on the above list. It can be pricey, though, and may also require some work from your IT team so be prepared with some additional financial and human resources.

Since the release of XTM version 13.0, its connectors have entered a continuous deployment cycle, providing ongoing releases of new features. This means that you will see updates being made to connectors in between main releases, enabling use of new connector functionality faster.

For a more comprehensive reference to TMS integrations, you can visit Nimdzi.