Linspire, Inc., has released a new Web-based translating application that will allow volunteers to easily translate leading Linux applications into nearly 80 different languages. The International Resource Management Application, or IRMA, calls on users who speak English and another language to volunteer to translate parts of the operating system. Currently, 24 languages are supported through the system, with 54 additional languages to be added over the next few weeks. To view languages currently supported by IRMA or to sign up as a volunteer translator, visit http://www.irmateam.com.

Using a user-friendly online interface that automatically selects various sections of text or code in need of translation, volunteers sign up for one or more of IRMA's supported languages. When complete, the translations will be integrated into language-specific versions of popular Linux applications, like KDE, Mozilla, OpenOffice.org, Nvu and Lsongs, and made available to a wide audience around the world.

Since translations do not come from professional translating sources, checks will be put in place to control the quality of the translation. Through IRMA's online interface, lead translators can change translations, verify words and generate reports on translator's activity levels and consistency rates.