I've used sterling only in demo mode so i can't comment on execution speed. But charts, etc. are better on echotrader2 imo. But I think everyone has to try himself and use what fits for his trading style SAGE and ADP are options order routings. ISI has something to do with NYSE i think but i was told to use DOT
T3 would definitely open up the bandwidth on the firm side (if they have lots of remote traders coming into the network), but the slowest link is always going to be on the trader's side. So if you have a flaky DSL (maybe you're too far from the CO), or a sucky CableModem (because your neighbors are hogging up bandwidth) then you're still outta luck. If you are willing to pay for it, a T1 with a SLA on your end would be worth it when comparing how much you can lose if you went down because you have a bad connection. I think you can get that for about $600/mo now from some of the regional ISPs, check with your providers in your area.
You will hardly find DSL faster than T1s (1.544mbps), nor cable modem if you measure averages. But the case for T1 is more clear when looking at reliability. DSL is pretty much out of the question if you live further than 2 miles from your CO, if you live within 1 mile there's still a question about the copper for your POTS lines. For cable modem, they are good if you are the only one using it within your service area, but good luck to you if you live among areas near a university or something...kids will be downloading MP3s and MPEGs all day and night. With point-to-point T1s, you go direct and your SLA guarantee uptime. Although expensive for some traders, it's well worth it if within one year you have one bad trade due to network downtime on your end that cost you all the months you had paid for it. If you have good DSL/Cable connection, then you're one of the lucky one. If not, you may want to consider trading within the firm if you don't want to pay for the T1.
Sounds like some TSRs or other services are running that's draining your cycle time, dual Xeons are next to the best to Itaniums, you can't get better then that, especially for a single trader! Those are usually used for servers running multiple sections for a whole office. Think you should run a dianostic of the processing % to see where the threads are coming from.
I agree, good resolution good monitor is crucial to trading...many traders don't even consider this until their eyes get all watery and squitty from looking at the monitor all day long. This is extremely bad because not only does it hurt your eyes, but also break your concentration from trading. Don't go cheap when it comes to your eyes. Go LCD if you can afford it.
Anchorage, Alaska? Wow, how many traders are there? That's amazing, thought everyone there is a fisherman or something. I bet there's great scenary there, love to take a cruise there some day.
RE: "If you are willing to pay for it, a T1 with a SLA on your end would be worth it ............" Sorry for the dumb question, but what does "SLA" stand for and what is it? Thanks!
Service Level Agreement - a contract between you and your provider to guarantee a certain level of service they must meet (or else credit must be awarded to you), parameters include but not limited to downtime and latency...hope that helps