Microsoft Announces Plans to Ship Irish Language Versions of Windows Vista and 2007 Office
Limerick: October 6th, 2007, At the opening of Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, a new All-Irish Secondary college for Limerick City and County where all subjects are taught through the medium of Irish, the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, TD announced that Microsoft Ireland will release Irish language versions of the next releases of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office at no cost to users. Windows Vista and 2007 Office are the two eagerly anticipated new products which Microsoft plans to launch to consumers early next year. Both products, with enhanced features for PC users, will be available to all customers in 2007. Microsoft has announced, that in partnership with Foras na Gaeilge, it will make its latest products available in the Irish language. As a result, Irish speakers and students will be able to use the latest computer features in an Irish language environment.
The Taoiseach said, “I commend Microsoft and Foras na Gaeilge for agreeing to make the latest versions of Microsoft’s software available in Irish. In all aspects of life – whether in schools, at home or the workplace, access to technology is becoming increasingly important. The ability of Irish speakers and students of the language to be able to surf the Internet, write documents or simply communicate with others in our traditional language is very important and I am delighted that this initiative is going to make this possible.”
Donncha O’Treasaigh, Principal, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh said, “We are thrilled that Microsoft is making its next generation Windows and Office available in Irish. As an Irish speaking school and furthermore, one that is dedicated to integrating technology into the curriculum, the availability of Microsoft Windows and Office in Irish means that we can really embed and use it to maximum effect with the students who are themselves committed to working and conducting their daily lives and business through the medium of Irish.”
Mark Gleeson, Group Manager, Microsoft Office said, “The way we use computer technology continues to change and develop from how we find information, to how we use the Internet, and create and share information and documents. Windows Vista and 2007 Office have been designed to help people to take advantage of the latest technologies and with the Irish language versions we’re ensuring that Irish speakers will have full access to the very latest features and capabilities as they use computers in school, college, work and home. We’re delighted that Foras na Gaeilge are continuing to lend their expertise in making these benefits available to all Irish speakers. The response to the Irish versions of Windows XP and Office 2003 has been fantastic and we’re proud that we’re continuing that commitment.”
In 2004 Microsoft and Foras na Gaeilge undertook the full localisation, development and translation of over 600,000 terms across both Windows and Office products. The efforts of the two organisations were supported by a wide number of community groups and native Irish language speakers who helped with vocabulary selection and testing. Windows XP and Microsoft Office were made available to the public in Irish in 2005.
The translation of a further 2000 terms to cover all the new features available in Vista and 2007 Office is taking place again in partnership with Foras na Gaeilge. In addition to translating the language terms there will be extensive engineering work to ensure that Irish language users can take advantage of all the new features. This software localisation and development is being undertaken by Microsoft employees at the European Product Development Centre, the European Development Centre and the European Operations Centre in Sandyford, Co. Dublin.
About Microsoft Irish Language Pack
The idea to produce an Irish language version of Windows and Office originated amongst Microsoft’s employees in Sandyford where Irish employees drive the development of over 100 Microsoft products into 27 languages. Employees initially volunteered their time and expertise to do the localisation work that would enable versions of the product to be available in Irish. Microsoft subsequently invested considerable employee time from a number of different operations, in Ireland and Seattle, to develop the Irish language versions. Foras na Gaeilge also gave employee resources and considerable time on the translation of the technical terms.
Microsoft was been nominated for a number of awards for its contribution to the Irish language. It was recently awarded a prize for the company which best promotes the use of the Irish language by the prestigious Glór na nGael competition, which annually recognises groups who promote and develop the Irish language in their own communities, and was also named as one of the Top 50 Businesses As Gaeilge by Irish magazine, Lá.
To get access to the Irish language version of Vista and 2007 Office users will be able to download the language interface pack (LIP) by visiting either www.microsoft.com/ireland or www.gaeilge.ie. It will be available for download free of charge from Summer 2007. The production of the LIP in Irish is part of the worldwide Microsoft Local Language Programme.