Alphacet

Your Business is Global. Is Your Quant Solution?

FAQs

When was Alphacet founded?

Alphacet, Inc. was founded in 2007, building on efforts that began in 2003, based on pioneering work by researchers at the University of California.

What products does Alphacet offer?

Alphacet's flagship product, Alphacet Discovery, is the only enterprise solution for developing and deploying quantitative trading strategies. It provides leading functionality for developing, backtesting, walking forward and deploying complex arbitrary intraday trading strategies. With Alphacet Discovery, users gain access to a codeless, user-friendly environment where they can develop quantitative models using a function library of more than 650 routines, or they can program their own routines by coding in LISP, Octave or MATLAB, or by importing proprietary code written in these languages.

Is Alphacet Discovery for institutions or day traders?

Alphacet Discovery is an enterprise product developed for use by financial institutions of all sizes. Alphacet Discovery can be deployed globally across large financial institutions, or deployed locally for smaller hedge funds and CTAs. The standard Discovery license includes five users located at one site location. Additional site and user licenses are available at a reduced fee.

Currently, Alphacet does not offer a solution designed for day traders or individual financial advisors. However, it does offer a highly scalable solution which can be deployed across both small and large financial institutions.

In what language is Alphacet Discovery written?

Alphacet Discovery is written in C# on the .NET platform with the core server, the Processing Engine, written in Common Lisp, a language known for its power, flexibility and succinctness. Extensive optimizations were performed to achieve processing speeds that overcome previous limitations related to Lisp and approach the speed of C++. Programmers familiar with Lisp can develop new functions and routines natively by coding directly within Lisp, or by uploading code written in C or C++ for use as if the functions were native Lisp.

Can I use models I have previously developed in MATLAB?

Yes, using Alphacet's Octave/MATLAB interface, users can import models written in MATLAB directly into Discovery's standard program library. Once in Discovery, quants can edit these models in MATLAB, and save them within the program library for future use.

How can I learn more about Alphacet?

To request additional materials on Alphacet's industry leading solutions, or to schedule a demonstration of Alphacet Discovery, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

What market data solutions are available with Alphacet?

Alphacet offers a comprehensive library of historical and 15-minute delayed real-time market data from leading market data provider Interactive Data (IDC). The trial also includes FX data from HotSpot FX and additional futures data across asset classes.

Additionally, through our partnership with OneMarketData we are able to connect effortlessly to the market data that they capture and store.

Through OneMarketData, users gain access to the following data feeds:

Real-Time:

Wombat
Reuters
SSL
RFA
IDC Comstock
Activ

Historical:

ARCA
Deutsche Bourse
Euronext
LAVA
MarketAxess/Trace
NYSE Open Book
NYSE TAQ
OPRA
Reuters Historical Data
Toronto, LSE (level 1, order book)

To inquire about a specific data integration or to learn more about our market data offerings, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

Are there any limitations on the type of numerical data I can use with Alphacet?

There are no limitations on the type of data users can leverage with Alphacet Discovery. We can connect to any data feed that you need to be successful in your quantitative strategy development and deployment – regardless of data asset class or frequency. In addition, through our partnership with Ravenpack, we offer digitized news within our platforms.

To inquire about a specific data integration or to learn more about our market data offerings, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

Can Alphacet connect directly to market data?

Alphacet does not connect directly to market data feeds. Instead, Alphacet retrieves its data through a database management solution that handles both tick capture and storage, such as those offered by our partner OneMarketData.

Customers can license Alphacet Discovery with one of our partner's solutions at a discounted rate, or can license their own tick database solution. Users also can choose to leverage Alphacet's SQL database and data loader to load data from proprietary databases in lieu of traditional market data.

To learn more about Alphacet's market data and database solutions, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

What data loaders are available with Alphacet Discovery?

Alphacet offers an SQL market data database that can handle tick data and perform common aggregations as well as a data loader to import data files derived from proprietary databases. Automatic updating of low frequency data via scheduled file deliveries can also be facilitated.

Do I need to license a database solution to use Alphacet?

Customers can license Alphacet Discovery with one of our partner's solutions (i.e., OneMarketData's OneTick) or can license their own tick database solution. Users also can choose to leverage Alphacet's SQL database and data loader to access data derived from proprietary databases in lieu of traditional market data. Direct integration to customers 'existing proprietary databases can also be arranged.

To learn more about Alphacet's database solutions, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

What database solutions does Alphacet recommend?

As a vendor-neutral organization, Alphacet does not recommend specific database solutions. However, our partnership with OneMarketData enables us to offer Alphacet Discovery fully integrated to leading tick database solutions.

For more information on rates and available products, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

What are the benefits of having a database solution?

Relational databases are not designed to capture, store and retrieve time series data. Tick capture, storage and retrieval database solutions are specifically designed for this purpose. The benefits of using a database designed to work with market (time series) data are numerous, including faster data storage and retrieval, improved data organization, automatic integration to multiple data sources, and reduced time and money spent on data management. Alphacet's pre-integration to leading tick capture database solutions eliminates the need for Discovery clients to perform this integration themselves.

To learn more about our partner database solutions, please visit the OneMarketData Web site at www.onetick.com.

What asset classes can I backtest with Alphacet Discovery?

Alphacet Discovery is a multi-asset class solution. Users can construct and backtest strategies/models that incorporate multiple asset classes from disparate data sources.

How many preprogrammed functions, routines and transforms are present in Alphacet Discovery?

Currently, Alphacet Discovery offers more than 650 preprogrammed, functions, routines, transforms and machine learning programs. Additionally, users can easily edit existing functions or code their own arbitrary programs using Common Lisp directly in the provided editor. C and C++ programs with appropriate glue modifications can also be loaded and called via the system's Foreign Function Interface.

How do I edit preprogrammed functions in Discovery's program library?

To edit preprogrammed functions in Discovery's program library, users double click the function of interest and edit its parameters using plain English. They then can save the new function to the library with a new name signifying the changes. No coding experience is required to perform basic parameter edits to preprogrammed functions.

Can I add my own functions to the program library?

Yes, users can easily add their own functions, routines and transforms to the program library by coding in Common Lisp, Octave or MATLAB, using our MATLAB/Octave interface. Users also can import proprietary functions written in C or C++ with minor modifications to create the glue.

Is coding necessary to edit preprogrammed functions in Discovery's program library?

No, coding is not necessary to edit preprogrammed functions in Discovery's program library.

Is coding necessary to develop new functions in Discovery's program library?

Yes, unless function libraries are licensed from third parties, coding is necessary to develop new functions in Discovery's program library. Users can code new functions by using Common Lisp or by importing functions in C or C++.

With what frequency of data can I test my strategies?

Alphacet Discovery currently processes tick data in the form of bars, making it the ideal solution for developing and testing intraday trading strategies. Although there is no inherent limitation to the frequency of data Discovery can process, the platform currently supports bars of one second and lower frequency. Higher frequency aggregation can be achieved on a specific customer basis.

To learn more about Discovery's supported data frequencies, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

What is Alphacet Discovery's processing speed?

Discovery's multi-threaded Processing Engine can process data at rates of up to 2,000,000 data points per second for primitive operators.

How many symbols can I include in a strategy within Discovery?

There is no limit to the number of symbols one can use in a quantitative trading strategy developed within Alphacet Discovery. Benchmark tests have been conducted with 1,000 symbol baskets on large data sets.

What kind of real-time data can I use with Alphacet Discovery?

As a multi-asset class solution, Alphacet Discovery supports all real-time data feeds via a database management solution. Users can either use their own database management solution, to which Alphacet can integrate, or they can license a fully integrated tick data capture, storage and retrieval solution from our partner OneMarketData.

We offer Alphacet's solutions in conjunction with OneMarketData's high performance database solution OneTick. To learn more about OneTick, please visit www.onetick.com.

To learn more about our database vendor partnerships as well as their data feed handlers, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

How do I walk forward a strategy in Alphacet Discovery?

Discovery users just simply click the "Push Live" button located on the left-hand tool bar of the Alphacet GUI to walk a strategy forward on real-time data. Users can develop, backtest and walk forward strategies using one graphical interface – eliminating the need for multiple programs and windows.

Is paper trading/walking forward available in the Discovery ASP trial?

Yes, ASP trial users can paper trade or walk forward strategies in Discovery on 15-minute delayed real-time data which includes all original timestamps. The ASP trial contains all features that are available in the full licensed version of Alphacet Discovery. This includes the ability to walk forward strategies and generate FIX order messages.

Do I need to have access to an execution platform to walk forward strategies?

No, you do not need access to an execution platform to walk forward strategies. Alphacet Discovery directly connects to real-time market data feeds via a database management solution to enable users to backtest and walk forward strategies using a single market data solution.

I currently use a high frequency execution platform for trading. How can I integrate this platform with Alphacet Discovery?

Alphacet Discovery produces FIX order messages using FIX version 4.2. These messages can be routed directly into your execution platform for trade execution. Additionally, Alphacet can develop custom APIs and/or protocols that integrate to your EMS/OMS system to provide one fully integrated solution.

For more information on custom APIs and EMS/OMS integration, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

Can I create trade tickets and orders in Discovery?

Yes, you can create trade rules in Discovery that automatically generate the FIX message tags and field values, however Alphacet Discovery is not an execution management system (EMS). We recommend using Discovery in conjunction with an EMS/OMS system for optimal execution results and complete order management functionality such as the application of compliance rules, netting and other OMS/EMS functionality.

What version of FIX does Alphacet Discovery use?

Alphacet Discovery uses FIX version 4.2.

What companies does Alphacet currently have partnerships with?

Currently, Alphacet has partnerships and/or technology integrations with the following organizations:

BT Radianz
HotSpot FX
Interactive Data
Knight Capital
Lakeview Capital Market Services
OneMarketData
Ravenpack
State Street

Through these partnerships, Alphacet is able to offer complementary solutions that are integrated directly to Alphacet at a fraction of the cost of a stand-alone solution. For additional information on specific partnerships or technology integrations, please do not hesitate to contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or jackieb@alphacet.com.

How can I inquire about becoming a partner?

To learn more about our partner program or how your company can become a partner, please contact Jackie Bardenwerper at +1.203.352.6990 or jackieb@alphacet.com.

What hardware is required for a local installation?

Hardware requirements for a local installation vary based on number of sites and users. The minimum required server hardware for a local Discovery installation is one Windows 2003 64 bit enterprise server running MSFT .NET 2.0 and MSFT SQLServer with 8 GB of RAM and 500 GB of disk space and one dual quad-core Redhat Linux 4.5 enterprise server running Steelbank Common Lisp 1.0.22 with 16 GB of RAM and 500 GB of disk space. The minimum required client hardware is one Windows XP/2003/Vista 32-bit or 64-bit machine running MSFT .NET 2.0 with two Intel/AMD 2.0 GHz processors, 2 GB of RAM, and 100 MB of disk space.

What are the benefits of a hosted ASP solution?

Alphacet offers hosted solutions through leading hosting company BT Radianz. These solutions enable users to leverage hardware and network infrastructure at an off-site location while maintaining complete confidentiality and security of proprietary strategies and functions –eliminating the need for costly in-house IT services and maintenance.

Is there any kind of ASP solution available on a license basis?

An ASP license solution is currently in development and is slated for release in mid-2009. For more information on this solution, please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com.

Can managers control users' permission levels or access to specific features within Discovery?

Yes, Alphacet Discovery includes a central management tool for management control of users' permission levels and access to specific features including program and strategy modification and deletion, walk forwards and trading. Management can control user access down to the symbol, property and attribute level of detail.

How many users can access one license of Discovery?

The standard Alphacet Discovery license includes access for up to five users in one location. However, smaller packages are available for firms with less than five users. Please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com for more information on licensing packages and options.

Does each user get a unique password and account?

Yes, each Alphacet Discovery user receives a unique password and account, enabling managers to keep track of users' activities as well as limit their access and permission levels.

Can managers gain access to all users' accounts?

Yes, managers can gain access to all users' accounts to review strategies and assign permission levels.

My organization has quantitative analysts located around the globe that need to share strategies and program libraries.

Yes, with Alphacet, users can connect to the same application of Discovery around the globe – empowering them to share strategies, program libraries and a single golden source for market data.

What are your customer support hours?

Currently, our customer support hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Additional hours may be available on a specific contract basis. Please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com for more information.

How do I contact customer support via phone or e-mail?

To contact customer support via phone, please call +1.203.352.6990. To contact support via e-mail, please send a message to support@alphacet.com.

I am a current Alphacet customer. Where can I access the user manual and additional documentation?

Comprehensive documentation on Alphacet Discovery is available to all users 24 hours a day on our self-service Web portal. To access the portal, please click here and use the access instructions included with your Alphacet Discovery welcome kit. If you have any questions on how to access the portal or would like additional information, please contact the support department at +1.203.352.6990 or support@alphacet.com.

I am currently considering using Alphacet for my financial modeling needs. How do I schedule a customized demonstration?

To schedule a customized demonstration of Alphacet, please contact the Sales department at +1.203.352.6990 or sales@alphacet.com and a sales representative will be in touch shortly. Please note that all product demonstrations include a highly trained product specialist as well as sales representative who will ensure the presentation meets your specific needs.

Will Alphacet customize its application to meet specific organization requirements?

Yes, Alphacet welcomes feedback from its users and will customize its application to meet specific institutions' requirements. Please note that specific customizations may require additional fees. Alphacet also reserves the right to refuse specific customizations that deviate significantly from our product roadmap.

What training is included with my Alphacet Discovery trial and license?

Alphacet is committed to ensuring all users of Alphacet Discovery are completely comfortable and productive using all features of our software. As such, we include two Web training sessions for each trial, as well as two half-day training sessions which include four customized training modules.

Are additional training sessions available?

Yes, additional training sessions are available for trial and license customers. Please contact us at +1.203.352.6990 or info@alphacet.com for more information or to schedule an additional session.