Here's the deal. For real-time data, you can use Signal, PC Quote, etc. But for end-of-day data, you have three alternatives:
1. Use your real-time data feed.
2. Use HISTORYBANK.COM, the only end-of-day direct access.
3. Import data from other EOD services such as Dial/Data or CSI.
The problem that exists right now is gaps in your data. The CD that comes with the product is updated only until the end of 2/99. Obviously, you can't use Alternative 1 because it's real-time. The problem with Alternative 2 is that it is a beta service that doesn't begin officially until May 1, 1999. And forget about using it now - data corruption, slow, hangs the GlobalServer, etc. The problem with Alternative 3 is that you must first obtain the EOD software, download the data using that software, and then import that data into TradeStation ONE symbol at a time - not very practical. What if you track 500, 1000 stocks? In the previous version of TS, one could just use the Downloader program provided by Omega and directly load it into TradeStation.
What Omega is doing is effectively locking you into their HISTORYBANK service for the future. Sure, maybe eventually it can be a good service, but what are people supposed to do now? As an experienced TradeStation user, I'm pretty stunned by the idiocy of this release. If you can't get current data easily, what's the point? |
