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Non-Tech : Datek Brokerage $9.95 a trade -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Morpher who wrote (6877)	2/27/1998 12:50:00 PM
From: Morpher	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 16892

[Start rant] The saddest thing about this discussion about the merits of new/old classic servers is that we are discussing Datek's afterthought. Instead of getting better morning order processing, new trading-related features, better quotes, or faster servers we are served a "pretty" new website (that is a textbook example of how colors, frames, Java, JavaScript, and even ALT tags should not be used), mutual funds, and delayed news and charts that are all available elsewhere for free. In addition Datek decides to mess with old servers to "match" the look of the new ones! I can see how Datek would want to equal its competitors elaborate websites and make a good first impression on potential new customers. But why should the existing customers have to suffer? Wasn't Datek growing very fast (too fast) with a plain and simple look? Why change something that is working while your customers want other concerns addressed? I hope Datek people will seriously look at their priorities and decide whether they want to compete by becoming just like the competition (with a fraction of their capital) or whether they want to be the innovators, giving people what they want and trying out new things. I was quite disappointed with Datek's slowness in delivering on their promises since I got an account with them. Somehow there is no problem in creating the Dilbert ticker or adding mutual funds (even if they don't work right) but making simple changes to the HTML or servers' behavior seems beyond Datek's capability. Is trying to be like everybody else Datek's vision? Does Datek even consider the possibilities the Internet offers? There are many things that could be done even today that would set Datek apart from the generic online brokers but the Dilbert ticker isn't one of them. How about firing your graphics designers and using their salaries to hire one or two people that really know technology and have some new concepts? Saying all that, I still believe that Datek is a market leader through its aggressive pricing, high level of automation, ISLD use, good order processing, and fast updates. I recommended it to my friends (hey, some extra ISLD liquidity never hurts ;-)). But it could be so much better... [End rant]