Why do you need a market data API in order to display financial data on your website? An API is an Application Programming Interface, an essential part of the interactivity of Web 2.0. A programming interface is like a foreign language translator-It allows one computer operating on one system to talk to another computer operating on another system. Imagine how complex this can be when computer systems are communicating with market data. When you are providing financial information on your website for your visitors, APIs are necessary to display all but static, non-changing information.
Look for a market data solutions provider that can offer several different code-based APIs or SDKs (Software Development Kits) to ensure that you can connect with data feeds and tickers for real-time, delayed, end of day, and historical information. Having access to a .Net, Java, or COM/Win32 API will make this communication more easeful. APIs should have both a server side component as well as a client-side component.
Sample code should be provided with source code available for your tech team.
Consult with your tech team first to determine whether your system would most easily connect to a .NET, Java, or COM/Win32 API. Then find the market data solution firm that can provide the appropriate API for your system. If you need a .NET API to receive market data, make sure it is written in fully manageable C# code and built within a .NET 2.0 framework. If it is a Java API that you need, of course, make sure it is written in pure Java. No external native libraries will be needed. The Legacy COM/WIN32 API should be available from your market data solutions firm if your system requires this type of interface.
If this all sounds like a lot of mumbo jumbo to you, just make sure that the market data solutions company that you select offers complete code samples, documentation, and complete customized tech support, regardless of the market data API available. Broadcast feeds should come in a format that compresses and consolidates direct feeds from any exchange. Check to be certain that they offer financial data feeds in raw or original exchange format, utilizing HTTP transfer in XML, CSV, and FTP. And most importantly, make sure that the data you receive is the most timely, accurate data available. Your data solutions firm must provide reliable figures, with transactions, inserts, and corrections reported as they are reported by the exchanges. Visit BarchartMarketData.com, where you’ll find more information about each marketdata API available and how to get started on posting your own white-label financial data feed on your company’s website.
Colin Snider lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a promoter for local venues, including concert venues and clubs, in the city. Football is his favorite sport and he is a hardcore Saints fan. He also enjoys trading and investing in the stock market and relies of end of day data to make financial decisions