The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Translation Service (DTS), hosted within Microsoft Dynamics Lifecycle Services (LCS), is specifically engineered to simplify and enhance the translation process for partners and independent software vendors (ISVs). This powerful tool is invaluable when localizing existing Dynamics 365 solutions or introducing support for a new language across supported Dynamics products. For those looking to master the essentials and best practices of leveraging DTS, the comprehensive module, Translate Dynamics 365 apps and documentation with Dynamics 365 Translation Service, is an excellent resource.
DTS leverages product-specific machine translation (MT) models. These models are custom-trained for Microsoft General Availability (GA) languages, ensuring superior translation quality. Furthermore, DTS maximizes efficiency by supporting translation recycling from the linguistic assets of both Microsoft Dynamics and its partner/ISV ecosystem. This means that identical text strings only undergo translation once, and are then consistently reused throughout the system, saving time and ensuring uniformity.
The diagram below illustrates the operational flow of the service at a high level.
Note that utilizing this feature necessitates a subscription for finance and operations apps, Dynamics 365 Finance, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Dynamics 365 Commerce, or Dynamics 365 Project Operations.
Leveraging Existing Translations through Recycling
A key advantage of the Dynamics 365 Translation Service is its ability to recycle existing linguistic assets. This capability is activated when assets are uploaded as a zip file containing translation memory (TM) files in the Localization Interchange File Format (XLIFF). For a deeper understanding, refer to Translation memory files. This recycling process not only accelerates translation projects but also ensures consistency with previous localization efforts.
Custom-Trained Machine Translation for Superior Accuracy
DTS utilizes the robust Microsoft Translator service, further enhanced by a custom translator. This customization tailors Microsoft Translator’s advanced neural machine translation specifically for Microsoft Dynamics products. The custom-trained MT model becomes particularly beneficial for requests where either the source or target language is English, and partners contribute XLIFF TM files containing over 10,000 translation units (TUs). In such scenarios, DTS generates a bespoke, custom-trained MT model, uniquely optimized for the submitted translation request and the linguistic nuances within the XLIFF TM files. This approach significantly elevates the accuracy and relevance of the translation output.
Broad Product Support for Comprehensive Translation Needs
Dynamics 365 Translation Service offers extensive compatibility across various Microsoft Dynamics products and versions. This wide-ranging support ensures that users can leverage the service for diverse translation needs within the Dynamics ecosystem.
| Product name | Versions | Supported format for user interface files | Supported format for documentation files | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 | All versions | .ktd, .ald | .docx | Alignment is the sole supported functionality for this product version. |
| Dynamics 365 finance and operations apps | All versions | .label.txt | .docx, .html | .txt is the designated label format, while .html is for custom help solutions. |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce | All versions | .label.txt | .docx | |
| Microsoft Dynamics CRM | All versions | .resx | .docx | |
| Microsoft Dynamics NAV | All versions | .etx, .stx, .resx, .txt, .xml, .xlf | .docx | .txt and .xml are specific to NAV, and .xlf is for Business Central extension resources. |
Multiple Access Points within Lifecycle Services (LCS)
Accessing DTS is straightforward and can be done from two locations within LCS, providing flexibility and convenience for users.
- From the LCS Home Page: This offers a centralized access point, especially useful for managing multiple translation projects across different Dynamics products.
- From within an LCS Project: This project-specific access is ideal for focused translation efforts within a defined project scope.
Accessing DTS Directly from the LCS Home Page
To access DTS from the LCS home page, simply log in to LCS and navigate to the right side of the page. Expand the tiles menu and select the Translation service tile. This action will open the DTS dashboard, providing a comprehensive overview of your translation activities.
Project-Specific Access to DTS within LCS
Alternatively, you can access DTS within a specific LCS project. Begin by creating a new project or opening an existing one. On the project dashboard, locate the More tools section and select the Translation service tile. Another access method is via the project dashboard’s Menu button, followed by selecting Translation service.
Home Page vs. Project-Level Access: Choosing the Right Approach
The access point you choose depends on your workflow and project scope. Accessing DTS from the LCS home page allows you to initiate translation requests and select the relevant product independently for each request. This is particularly advantageous when managing translations for multiple Dynamics products concurrently, eliminating the need to switch between projects.
The following image displays a DTS dashboard accessed from the LCS home page. This dashboard provides a consolidated view of all translation requests initiated by users within your organization from the home page, outside of any specific LCS project.
In contrast, accessing DTS from within an LCS project automatically associates translation requests with the project’s predefined product type and version. This project-centric approach is beneficial when working collaboratively on a single product translation project within LCS, as it ensures all requests are inherently linked to that project. Product selection is predefined by the project itself.
The subsequent image illustrates a DTS dashboard accessed from within an LCS project. This dashboard displays requests specifically associated with the project and is visible only to the project owner and users with project access. This method is well-suited for team-based translation projects focused on a single Dynamics product.
Regardless of the access point, all users with viewing permissions have read access to requests. However, regenerating a request necessitates taking ownership within the dashboard.
Glossary of Key Terminology
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| XLIFF | XML Localization Interchange File Format. XLIFF is an XML-based format designed to standardize the exchange of localizable data between translation tools during the localization process. It serves as a universal format for files used by computer-aided translation (CAT) tools. |
| Microsoft GA languages | General availability languages produced by Microsoft. The specific list of GA languages can vary depending on the product. |
| TU | Translation unit. A TU typically encompasses a source string, its translation, state, state qualifier, and any relevant notes. |
For detailed guidance on utilizing DTS, explore Translate user interface files and Translate documentation files. These resources provide step-by-step instructions and best practices for effective translation workflows.
