Quote from nononsense:
Conditions:
(1) No JAVA or other similar proprietary software;
(2) Runs on linux/unix, distributed like an rpm. May also run on M$ and other proprietary OS, but I can't care less.
(3) Fully portable - no M$ development tools dependency, only GNU;
(4) API, not unlike TWS but WITHOUT the for trading USELESS charting/backfill clutter they added over the last year or so;
(5) API geared towards automated trading - possibility of automated logon using standard security tools. Full support to help users quickly re-obtain control in case of a technical failure
I second all of the above. Additionally, I would like to see:
(6) A trade platform that is thoroughly tested before all releases
(7) A 24-hour toll-free customer service phone number that is promptly answered by courteous and knowledgeable staff
(8) Ability to speak directly to management if requested
(9) No charges for excessive messaging
(10) Ability to place trades during early morning hours with INET and ARCA
(11) Autologin ability - a must for those that want it
(12) No charge for phone orders
(13) Stocks and Futures, including Open Pit orders
(14) Real-time (ballpark) account balance that always shows in upper right corner of trading platform
(15) A Market Data line that shows the price the instrument executed at, and an execution summary that can be set to number of hours and days.
(16) No auto-logoff or ability to cancel auto-logoff
(17) 1/2 hour maintenance at most with maintenance being done between 4:15-4:45pm CST(Chicago time). That is 15 min after U.S. stock market closes, and 15 min before Globex re-opens at 5pm - a perfect time.
(18) Acceptance of email instead of a trouble ticket system.
(19) Reliable server connections
(20) A broker that shows they appreciate your business
NOTE: These suggestions all stem from my problems at Interactivebrokers.