Supporting multiple languages in Crystal Reports just became much easier.  Ido Millet of Millet Software has added a new translation feature to DataLink Viewer.  This allows reports to automatically translate all static text objects from one language to another.   The feature taps into Google Translate, so it supports any of the 100 or so languages that Google supports.  Automated translation is not perfect, but I have found that Google Translate is amazingly accurate for an automated tool, and is getting better all the time.

To take advantage of this feature the report has to be run with web access.  It also needs a Google account and a Google API key.  The Google API key is not free but it is only $20 for 1 million translated characters.  (DLV only translates each text object once per report, even if it appears on multiple pages.)

If you want to translate the dynamic content of your reports (fields and formulas) then you can add Millet Software’s CUT Light dll to your environment.  This adds a formula function that can pass text from fields and formulas to the same API for translation.

Here is a link to the new section of DLV user manual which explains how it all works and a short video demonstration.

If you have a use for this I am sure that Ido would be happy to hear from you.