Quote from vanilla2:
I supported Aspen for about a year and a half before leaving that job almost a year ago. It would not surprise me if they have changed their interface to windows style in the interim. It also wouldn't surprise me if they have a retail version of the software that runs much better.
Most of the problems we encountered were related to the Aspen server software maintained on our side, but for individual users you probably don't cache data locally, unless it's a TS6 globalserver type of setup. Aspen server software was extremely unstable.
The only reason we used Aspen was because of its ability to import and chart proprietary data, and it's bargain price relative to CQG.
If you're not maintaining a server, Aspen may be fine. Personally though, after supporting at least 200 different trading/charting products, Aspen would be near the bottom of my list. The non-windows interface was difficult, and added no value. If they've changed this though, it could be a fine product.