This is the way I automated at first, prior to writing code / dll to do the job.
1. Create an email address just for trading using your ISP and Outlook or Outlook Express. Use it only for trading signals and make it "odd" enough that spammers wont likely guess it, ie:
r5t2kd7l5k4l34@myisp.com
2. Use
PromaSoft Autoresponder email software to receive the incoming emails. It can read the subject line or body, then run a simple batch file using the data from the email as variables (ie: symbol, price, order type, etc.).
3. If your dealing with an internet based broker that does not offer automation, use
iOpus Internet Macros to create a broker interface macro that runs as a batch file and can accept the trading signal data from the PromaSoft Autoresponder. Downside is you have to watch the broker's website closely - if they change you have to redo the macro.
With this setup it is possible to automate trading with any trade software that provides email trade alerts and any broker that has a web based interface or API.
Autoresponder can react to other emails too, so you can make a "kill switch" that can be activated by email for crazy days or black swan events...
smitty