Q: |
I read that Trading Technologies acquired TickIt on June 8, 2010. How does this impact me moving forward? |
A: |
If you are already a TickIt production customer, we will continue to provide you with support through the channels you've always used. The former TickIt team is working with TT to integrate TickIt's technology with TT's products. We expect integration to be complete in 2011, at which time the integrated platform will be available through TT’s global distribution network. Until that time, TickIt is no longer taking on new customers. Check this website for new details.
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Q: |
What makes TickIt's server side execution better than most other trading software? |
A: |
Unlike most trading front-ends, TickIt provides true server-side execution. The logic for your hedging strategies, custom-spread strategies, tick orders, custom algorithms, and so on, all execute at the TickIt server. Most trading front-ends, including many you can write code for, process trading logic at the client-side (your computer). This means that not only does it take longer for the market data to get there because of data coalescing and extra hop(s), but the computer running the algorithm needs to be fast as well. TickIt can provide faster executions because the speed of your computer and internet connection are no longer limiting factors. Furthermore, TickIt algorithms execute in compiled code (without any programming on your part!), unlike many systems which provide scripting languages. In other words, it's really fast!
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Q: |
Why don't you connect to exchanges beyond the CME family of exchanges? |
A: |
We chose the world's biggest futures exchange because that's where we traded. Prior to the acquisition of TickIt by TT, we were in the process of working on connectivity to the ICE, Eurex and NYSE Liffe exchanges. Obviously the acquisition of TickIt by TT changed this. The good news is that once TickIt's technology is integrated with TT's products, TT customers will be able to use TickIt's technology when trading more than two-dozen exchanges. We're all very excited about the prospects that the merger between the two companies has created for TickIt and TT end users!
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Q: |
How do I learn how to "write my own trading programs"? I'm not a programmer. |
A: |
That's why we invented TickIt and the Algo Design Lab! See below.
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Q: |
Do you offer a programmer's API? |
A: |
Not exactly. The Algo Design Lab in TickIt Plus is our version of an API. It is a design platform used by both traders and developers. Using our tested, tried-and-true algorithmic building blocks, you can construct full algorithmic strategies that convert into potentially thousands of lines of source code in a fraction of the time needed to write your own code, thus reducing unnecessary costs and risks of writing, testing, and deploying your own custom code. What used to take weeks, now may take only a matter of minutes.
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Q: |
If I'm currently a TickIt customer, can I continue to login to trade on TickIt from multiple locations? |
A: |
Absolutely. You can travel with TickIt on your laptop, trade from any PC at home, on the trading floor or in your office, your only limit being one location at a time. You can trade from wherever you’ve installed the TickIt software. Unless you are on a dial-up Internet connection, it is likely that any computer you own is capable of running TickIt software.
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Q: |
Is there a limit as to the number of automated strategies I can run at one time? |
A: |
No, we do not impose a limit on the number of algorithms a trader can run.
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Q: |
If everyone uses TickIt's software, won't it eventually begin to reduce the edge for everyone else on the system? |
A: |
TickIt offers a trader almost unlimited flexibility, so the chances of someone creating the exact same trade strategy, or running an automated order with the exact same market quantity thresholds are low.
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Q: |
I read elsewhere on your website that no hardware upgrades are needed and that someone in Australia can function at the same capability as someone using TickIt software in Chicago. Is that really true? |
A: |
Yes, Australia or anywhere for that matter because all speed-sensitive tools are server side. As long as you’re not on a dial-up Internet service, no hardware upgrades will be required. As a trading firm, we used TickIt software on computers that were all 3-6 years old.
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