Wordfast
The name Wordfast is used for any number of translation memory products developed by Wordfast LLC. The original Wordfast product, now called Wordfast Classic, was developed by Yves Champollion in 1999 as a cheaper alternative to Trados, a translation memory program. The current Wordfast products run on a variety of platforms but use largely compatible translation memory formats, and often also have similar workflows. Wordfast LLC is based in Delaware, United States, although most of the development takes place in Paris, France. There is also a support center in the Czech Republic. The company has around 50 employees.
History
Development on Wordfast version 1 was begun in 1999 in Paris, France, by Yves Champollion. It was made up of a set of macros that ran inside Microsoft Word, version 97 or higher. At that time, other translation memory programs also worked inside Microsoft Word, for example, Trados.Until late 2002, this MS Word-based tool was freeware.
In 2006, the company Wordfast LLC was founded by Phil Shawe and Elizabeth Elting, also co-owners of the translation company TransPerfect. In July 2006, Mr. Champollion sold all interest in the Wordfast Server computer program to Wordfast LLC. Since that time, Wordfast has been the sole owner of all rights, title, and interest, including the copyright, in the Wordfast Server Code. Since then, Champollion, while holding the title Founder and Chief Architect, has also been CEO and president of the company Wordfast LLC.