Message From the Board Q3 2005

Hans Fenstermacher, GALA Board Chair

Several of our members have recently announced significant developments that will no doubt affect the course of our industry for some time to come. I am referring, of course, to the acquisition of Trados by SDL and the acquisition of Bowne Global Solutions by Lionbridge. While we are sorry to lose two members in this way (;-), we view these events as indicators of the continuing maturation of our industry.

Consolidation is a normal part of business in every industry, and ours is certainly no exception. Like all business processes, these consolidations have positive and potentially negative consequences. This newsletter contains the results of our poll of the GALA membership to find out what you think those consequences are. Our own Don DePalma (Common Sense Advisory) has analyzed and reported on the results of our survey (thank you, Don!); I think you’ll find his report very interesting reading, indeed.

We want to make you aware, too, that we have arranged with SDL to hold a webcast to discuss the Trados acquisition with SDL executives. Don and I will host two sessions of the webcast. Stay tuned for an announcement of the dates and times. We applaud SDL’s willingness, even eagerness, to have a conversation with the industry about this, and we invite you all to join us for this important discussion (but hurry, because space is limited!).

As we head into the second half of 2005, there are exciting times ahead. GALA is growing, and we are planning several initiatives in direct response to our members’ wishes and requests (stay tuned!). A couple of important things to keep in mind: three of us must take our leave from GALA’s Board at the end of this year, which means the upcoming election in October is extremely important. I hope you will consider running for one of the positions and contributing to GALA’s continued success. Our 2005 Annual Meeting is slated for October 25, in Seattle, where you will be able to participate in breakout group discussions of the topics that matter most to you, helping guide our work going forward.

Enjoy this issue of GALAxy, and let us know what you think!

Yours,

Hans

Hans Fenstermacher
GALA Board Chair
 

Hans is chair of the GALA Board and president and founder of ArchiText Inc., a globalization and localization services company.