What is Marketcetera?

Marketcetera is an open source automated trading platform for institutions including hedge funds, asset management firms and proprietary trading desks. These institutions use Marketcetera for automated trading, GUI-based electronic trading and FIX-based order routing.

Marketcetera open source software is offered by Marketcetera, Inc., a well capitalized software company based in San Francisco, CA.

What is Open Source?

Traditional proprietary software packages are closed source. Users pay for the license to use the software binary but do not have access to the software source code. Open source products offer free access to both the binary and source code for the product.

Why is open source significant?

The open source model has several advantages over closed source products, including:

• Reduced Cost: Users do not have to pay anything to download and use the software.
• Better Quality: Access to source code makes it easy to modify or extend the software to suit your precise requirements. With access to the source code, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your mission-critical systems will work properly.
• More Functionality: Some members of the Marketcetera community choose to contribute their modifications and extensions back to the platform. As a result, new functionality is available at a faster pace than with traditional closed-source proprietary vendors.

Why is the open source model appropriate for trading platforms?

The pace of change in capital markets, the desire of traders to gain a competitive edge and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements demand a high degree of adaptability in trading systems. Proprietary closed-source packages have failed to offer the required level of flexibility and have been slow to adapt to change. The result is immense frustration at the direct loss of business due to inflexible trading technology. The open source model addresses this need for flexibility directly and shifts control from vendors to users. Additionally, the open source model offers a much lower total cost of ownership to users.

If I use the platform for free, how does Marketcetera make money?

Like many other open source companies (e.g. Red Hat Linux), Marketcetera offers support and consulting services as well as premium product offering for its open source Marketcetera Automated Trading Platform. Customers pay to get support and services from Marketcetera experts (the developers responsible for designing and building the Marketcetera Platform) as well as custom connectors and access to market data.

Does Marketcetera offer any products beyond than the core trading platform?

Yes, Marketcetera offers a variety of products to complement the open source Marketcetera Automated Trading Platform. Products for purchase include market data adapters and custom connectors. These products are not open source.

What do I need to do to start using Marketcetera?

Download the product and start using it! To get a head start on roll-out, and make the most of the Marketcetera Automated Trading Platform, consider purchasing one of our support, training and services offerings.

More questions?

We are happy to answer any questions you might have. Send us a note at info@marketcetera.com