QuickFIX

QuickFIX is a community-based open source project which implements the FIX standard. It provides a FIX engine in both C++ and Java. QuickFIX has no license fees and so can be easily deployed as and when needed. QuickFIX provides a multi-language, multi-platform, low cost way into the world of FIX. Its open source model, combined with the extensibility of the FIX standard, provides an attractive baseline for trading companies to use and establish a multi-exchange trading architecture. At present the trading protocols are unique to each bourse and as a result complicate and add costs to trading systems. Brokerages want to lower their trading transaction costs and streamline their systems. FIX as a common trading protocol offers a more rational, multi-exchange approach to use to develop next generation financial systems. The community development model ensures a robust implementation with a large number of users validating the product every day.

OCI has done performance testing of QuickFIX with C++ and Java. Both show the ability to scale commensurately with the assignment of more threads or increased CPU power. Trading via FIX is not normally a bottleneck. (Many exchanges impose speedbumps.) But if you need performance improvements contact OCI. We have reviewed the code base and understand where there exists opportunity for subtantial improvements.