Editing Translation management system (section)

== Target markets and licensing ==
TMS vendors target two main buyers when marketing and selling their products. On the one hand, software developer-only companies attract content producers, and sell their offering with no strings attached. On the other hand, software developers can also be language service providers (LSPs), so they offer their language services over their custom-made technological offering for easier customer integration. The latter is commonly referred to as a captive solution, meaning that buyers must use the TMS developer's language services in order to take advantage of their platform.<ref>SDL. {{cite web
 |title       = Globalization Management Systems Building a Better Business Case)
 |url         = http://www.sdl.com/en/globalization-knowledge-centre/whitepapers/Globalization_Management_Systems_Building_a_Better_Business_Case.asp
 |year        = 2007
 |access-date  = 2010-04-18
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100114010620/http://www.sdl.com/en/globalization-knowledge-centre/whitepapers/Globalization_Management_Systems_Building_a_Better_Business_Case.asp
 |archive-date = 2010-01-14
}}</ref>

Content producers with preferred or previous language service agreements to third LSPs may prefer to maintain their independence and purchase software licences only. However, a combined option of technology solution and language services in one package is bound to be more cost effective. Similarly, LSPs may prefer to contact technology vendors who are not part of the competition, offering also language services. Many LSPs got nervous when [[SDL plc|SDL]] bought [[SDL Trados Studio|Trados]] in 2005, becoming the biggest translation technology provider, while still having language services as part of their activities.<ref>GALA. {{cite web
 |title       = GALA Report: SDL-TRADOS Merger Survey Results)
 |url         = http://www.gala-global.org/articles/gala-report-sdl-trados-merger-survey-results
 |year        = 2005
 |access-date  = 2010-04-18
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100506180146/http://www.gala-global.org/articles/gala-report-sdl-trados-merger-survey-results
 |archive-date = 2010-05-06
}}</ref> As a result of this, competitive cloud translation management systems that combine TMS functionality with CAT tools and online translation editors, started making their way to the market.