Update 9.12.2019:
https://community.optimusfutures.com/t/marketdelta-platform-alternatives-footprint-charts-volume-profile-order-flow-analysis-software/2955
MarketDelta Cloud
As a trader you might have not considered cloud trading. In layman’s terms, the cloud computing concept is one where the software is housed in massive hosting facilities worldwide. So, instead of the futures trading platform running on your computer and consuming all your resources, it optimizes the performance of your platform by storing it on a network of servers, saving you from the headaches of computer crashes and hardware maintenance and upgrades. Considering the growth of cloud computing and trading software, it is rather surprising that most futures trading platforms do not dedicate more of their resources towards cloud based software. In that regard, MarketDelta is a pioneer in this field, launching a solid cloud based application with a great order entry design.
Trevor Harnett, President of MarketDelta is here with us, and we asked him a few questions about their new platform – MarketDelta Cloud.
Optimus: Trevor, what is the main benefit of cloud based trading versus downloadable software? Since you offer both versions, can you point out the difference in terms of benefits to the trader?
Trevor: There are few primary differences between cloud based and downloadable software. The rise of the internet, faster download speeds, and cheaper computing power will continue to favor the cloud over downloadable solutions into the future. In the short term, for some traders sticking with their desktop solution will be preferred, but for most people, the convenience, benefits, and cost savings the cloud provides will make the switch easy and worthwhile.
Some benefits of cloud based software:
- More Accessible – trade anywhere on any device. Platform agnostic – runs on PC, MAC, Tablet, Smartphones.
- Very User Friendly – simple, easy to use solutions are more enjoyable to use and up and running quickly.
- Unified Trading Experience – everything is saved to the cloud so everything is in sync no matter the computer.
- Less Cost – the cloud is more cost efficient and we pass this cost savings on to traders.
- Redundancy – everything is backup in the cloud and the cloud is distributed across many servers in multiple locations.
Some benefits of downloadable software:
- More Features – time is on its side and features are fully added and integrated.
- More Functionality – products are mature and benefit from past investment in functionality
- Greater choice of data sources – many support various data sources and order routing systems.
This inherently makes them more complex but does provide more configuration options.
Optimus: You have used HTML5 type charting which have a very nice visual display. Tell us a bit how those charts function in real time and do they reflect the ticks in a timely fashion?
Trevor: The HTML5 charts we use are awesome and the future of charting in the cloud. They are very responsive and will eventually offer all the features and functionality found in advanced desktop solutions. They are touch friendly and will soon be available (if not already) on tablets and mobile. This means all the charts and layouts you build on your workstation or laptop will be saved and available on other devices instantly.
Optimus: CQG has been chosen as your choice for data, charting and execution. Can you tell us about the benefits of your integration with CQG?
Trevor: CQG was an obvious choice for us. We have a longstanding relationship with them that goes back about a decade. Plus, they offer the greatest futures exchange connectivity and are supported by virtually every FCM (Futures Commission Merchant) in the world. This immediately provides us with extensive market connectivity and provides access to multiple markets from a single platform.
Optimus: Going back to MarketDelta Cloud charting, can you tell us about all the features that the charts include?
Trevor: As of right now here are the highlights. However, one of the benefits of the cloud is the ability to push out updates very frequently and provide additional functionality and value to traders with every login. Each time you login you get the latest and greatest. For those interested in Footprint and TPO/Volume Profile charts, we expect to include those at some point in the futures as well.
- 80+ built in technical indicators
- 50+ drawing tools
- Supported Chart Styles: Candle, Bar, Colored Bar, Line, Hollow Candle, Mountain (Area), Colored LIne, Scatter Plot, Baseline Delta.
- Support Chart Types: Heikin-Ashi, Kagi, Line Break, Point & Figure, Range Bars, Renko
Optimus: Let’s talk about the total mobility of MarketDelta Cloud. Do you have the ability, for example, to save your setting while trading at home, and then open the exact workspace at your office? Tell us about these types of abilities.
Trevor: We anticipate MarketDelta Cloud being available on tablets and smartphones in early 2016. Because MarketDelta Cloud is a web app available from computers with mice as well as touch screens, special considerations must be taken to have a smooth interface and expected function. For instance, charting on a tablet needs to be similar in feel and functionality to what you have on a PC or MAC.
One of the major benefits the cloud provides is a synchronized experience across devices. Changes you make on one computer will be immediately available on any other computer or device you login with. This saves time and frustration and assures the trader that everything is always the same.
Optimus: We see there is an increased demand for lower costs while there is also an equal demand for more expansive market access. Can you tell us about the costs associated with MarketDelta Cloud and the markets that it covers?
Trevor: Traders are just like everyone else, they want more for less. The cloud allows us to build better, more accessible products that rely on modern technologies to deliver what people want. It is also not just about costs, but how people live their lives in today’s world. The internet and smartphones have driven people to demand access to the tools they use outside the office. It doesn’t make sense in today’s mobile world be restricted to single computer to trade. We believe you should be able to do it on your own schedule, wherever, whenever you want.
Optimus: What challenges do you foresee for traders that do not adopt this technology? In terms of latency, support, and other hidden costs.
Trevor: Cloud technologies are being adopted everywhere and MD is just championing the cause in the futures trading industry. People don’t have to change a thing, but they will want to because more and more of the services they want will be delivered via the cloud. In many cases this will save them money, increase performance, and offer greater market access. What’s not to love! 😉
Optimus: A bit of a biased question, we see that you promoting Optimus as an IB. What do like about the Optimus approach to traders and trading software vendors like MarketDelta?
Trevor: We have recommended Optimus to a countless number of traders over several years and have never had a single person come back unhappy with that recommendation. While MarketDelta builds software, we also care a great deal about the person using the software. It is important they we partner with brokers who have the same perspective of helping traders succeed and Optimus has always provided sound insight.
Optimus: Can I run MarketDelta Cloud on an Apple (MAC) computer?
Trevor: YES! This has been a big plus for the millions of MAC users out there. There are many part time traders out there who work on a PC at work and use a MAC at home out of preference. MarketDelta Cloud caters to this setup and allows them to login using their browser on either PC or MAC and everything will be synchronized.
Optimus: What are some other benefits to being browser based solution that aren’t entirely obvious to most users?
One of the most appreciated benefits is being able to run it at work in a browser tab. It can be open while you do all your other work, then you click over to check in on the market and trade, then go right back to work. Because it runs on normal internet traffic it typically won’t be blocked by your corporate firewalls. Plus, any changes you do at work are immediately available on your other computers/devices.
CLICK HERE to experience a Cloud Trading Platform Specialized Exclusively for Futures Traders: START TRADING IN LESS THEN 60 SECONDS!
