Turok,
well you are right, but it depends. for futures it is not too bad. Sometimes it lags, true.
For stocks, I would agree. I remember some not so confortable moments when watching prices and wondering if my computer did not freeze.
As you pointed out, IB is not in the data business anyway. Another point, someone using datek streamer or other 'free' data from their brokers into QT, will not complain about IB.
I would not do it, but well, it does not mean others don't find it OK for them.
Of course, the real reason several were asking this DDE is for Order Entry. that's the thread topic anyway. I know some solutions are a bit more robust than IB's TWS, but there are many more bad platforms. IB is doing a great job by me with orders (futures and nyse).
Yes, I know you pointed out in other threads some confirmation or freeze problems with IB (well I think it is you..). And it is true. but in my experience using them for quite a while, this is very rare for my type of trading.
Of course the tool should fit the job. IB is better at some things than other. So, I do acknowledge different opinions here.
DDE is not the best choice available, but on the other hand it was the choice to have something quickly (at last) for API traders.
tntneo