FSM Labs and Spectracom Deliver Time Accuracy to the Low Nano-Seconds
FSM Labs’ TimeKeeper software combined with Spectracom
FSMLabs is a provider of high-precision time distribution software, and Spectracom is a company of the Orolia Group and a provider of hardware-based time and frequency systems for vital communications networks.
An unidentified top-five financial institution has chosen the implementation as the best-of-breed combination for accuracy within a Linux-based application server running multiple trading programs, according to the release. Connected to a satellite antenna, the embedded Spectracom’s PCI express card locks to ultra-precise GPS time, and FSMLabs’ TimeKeeper synchronizes the operating system clock.
The test results, which have been confirmed in FSMLabs’ test environment, prove synchronized time accuracy within 30-40 nanoseconds of GPS time from within the server’s trading applications – thus bridging the "last mile" between a precision time device and the software that makes use of the information, according to the release.
Alone FSMLabs’ produces accuracy in the single-digit microseconds. With hardware assists, such as Spectracom’s GPS clock PCI card, the accuracy level is raised to the low nanoseconds.
FSM Labs’ TimeKeeper software combined with Spectracom
FSMLabs is a provider of high-precision time distribution software, and Spectracom is a company of the Orolia Group and a provider of hardware-based time and frequency systems for vital communications networks.
An unidentified top-five financial institution has chosen the implementation as the best-of-breed combination for accuracy within a Linux-based application server running multiple trading programs, according to the release. Connected to a satellite antenna, the embedded Spectracom’s PCI express card locks to ultra-precise GPS time, and FSMLabs’ TimeKeeper synchronizes the operating system clock.
The test results, which have been confirmed in FSMLabs’ test environment, prove synchronized time accuracy within 30-40 nanoseconds of GPS time from within the server’s trading applications – thus bridging the "last mile" between a precision time device and the software that makes use of the information.
Alone FSMLabs’ produces accuracy in the single-digit microseconds. With hardware assists, such as Spectracom’s GPS clock PCI card, the accuracy level is raised to the low nanoseconds.
“Time precision is the new competitive frontier in high-speed trading. The agility of time-sensitive functions – such as event-triggered algorithmic trading and time-related arbitrage of execution venues – jumps to a new dimension with this timekeeping combination,” commented Victor Yodaiken, CEO of FSMLabs, in the release. “For applications, time data is a vulnerable point, because of the common inaccuracy of time distribution architectures at the micro- and nanosecond levels. This combination puts high-precision time where it is needed, inside the application, to deliver competitive advantage to the traders.”
Time accuracy to the nanosecond level enables time arbitrage in dealing with market data sources and trading venues, according to the company.
“This implementation is an excellent example of how a high-end GPS-based timing device in the application server can supercharge a software-based time distribution system,” said John Fischer, CTO of Spectracom. “While both Spectracom and FSMLabs have applications in many industries where time must be managed with precision, there is no question that financial traders can show the most dramatic ROI. The potential to pull the trigger in nanoseconds changes the world in terms of competitive advantage and risk management,” stated Spectracom’s CTO.
“Time precision is the new competitive frontier in high-speed trading. The agility of time-sensitive functions – such as event-triggered algorithmic trading and time-related arbitrage of execution venues – jumps to a new dimension with this timekeeping combination,” commented Victor Yodaiken, CEO of FSMLabs, in the release. “For applications, time data is a vulnerable point, because of the common inaccuracy of time distribution architectures at the micro- and nanosecond levels. This combination puts high-precision time where it is needed, inside the application, to deliver competitive advantage to the traders.”
Time accuracy to the nanosecond level enables time arbitrage in dealing with market data sources and trading venues, according to the company.
“This implementation is an excellent example of how a high-end GPS-based timing device in the application server can supercharge a software-based time distribution system,” said John Fischer, CTO of Spectracom. “While both Spectracom and FSMLabs have applications in many industries where time must be managed with precision, there is no question that financial traders can show the most dramatic ROI. The potential to pull the trigger in nanoseconds changes the world in terms of competitive advantage and risk management,” stated Spectracom’s CTO.
Ivy is Editor-at-Large for Advanced Trading and Wall Street & Technology. Ivy is responsible for writing in-depth feature articles, daily blogs and news articles with a focus on automated trading in the capital markets. As an industry expert, Ivy has reported on a myriad ... View Full Bio
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