Unlike more traditional software like operating systems and office productivity suites, social networking technology and therefore terminology has developed rapidly over the last few years. With more Web 2.0 applications featuring a strong social aspect, including the voice of the customer is becoming increasingly important in order to be able to capture the latest terminology used in the social networking domain. To be successful in tomorrow’s market-place, established businesses need to create business models that are inclusive of its customers while leveraging the global expertise and vast know-how and future potential they bring to the table. To address this challenge, Microsoft has launched several initiatives to embrace end-users and the “community”. One of them is the “MTCF” terminology community engagement and feedback program designed to assess and improve the quality of localised Microsoft Messenger and Spaces terminology through community feedback with a focus on social networking terminology. This presentation will cover lessons learned from the 1900+ terminology suggestions received across 29 EMEA languages during this feedback program. It will explore interesting observations from the community around existing terminology, implications for source terminology, the importance of style and “artistic license” in translation and challenges to existing - and often anecdotal - assumptions about terminology quality.

1. USING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE SOCIAL NETWORKING TERMINOLOGY IN MICROSOFT PRODUCTS Palle Petersen Terminology Manager, Language Excellence Group Sara Nicolini International Project Manager, GPD Intl EMEA Microsoft Corporation October 2008

3. MICROSOFT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FRAMEWORK Microsoft Language Portal Feedback programs Style guide downloads Online terminology Search Glossary downloads Blogs, articles, news… Comment/ suggestion tool Local market seminars, forums…

5. MICROSOFT TERMINOLOGY COMMUNITY FORUM http://members.microsoft.com/wincg/en-us/mtcf_default.aspx

6. GLOSSARY PAGE

7. PROCESS

15. © 2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries. The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. Microsoft is a trademark of the Microsoft companies. The Microsoft Financing marks are used by CIT Financial Ltd. under license. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.