Troy Systems' New Box Eliminates Standard Video Controllers -- Handles Telerate And Reuters Feeds

Recent developments in the Telerate-Programit case suggest that redistributing Telerate data can be a risky business. But Troy Systems Ltd. of London has been doing so well replacing standard Telerate controllers in the U.K. that they've expanded to North America.

Troy, a software and systems development firm, has opened up a storefront in New York City under the aegis of Securities Dealing Systems Inc. Ex-Citibank executive George Maragos has been recruited as SDS' president. Maragos, who brought Troy's data distribution products into Citibank's 55 Water St. trading facility, will now be responsible for marketing Troy's wares in the United States.

The Troy system is currently installed at only two New York sites, Citibank and Bankers Trust Co.

Troy System's data and video distribution system saves money and improves service for large Telerate STP users. The latest version of the Troy DVDS interfaces with both Telerate's SOP (now TPF) and the Reuter RDCDF, caching nearly 100 Telerate pages and 32 Reuter Monitor pages per line. The DVDS automatically caches the most frequently requested pages and keeps them constantly updated.

The Troy box makes incoming paged datafeeds available in three ways:

As pages through standard matrix video switched systems,

As pages through VT100/VT220 terminals, and

As either pages or selected data fields through DEC MicroVAX workstations.

Troy emulates standard Telerate and Reuters keying sequences precisely, so users don't have to learn new page request codes.

Troy's DVDS is only economical for trading rooms with 25 or more positions, according to a Troy spokesman. But even the first 24 positions experience an improvement in performance over standard video controller delivery. Because pages are cached locally and delivered at 9600 bits/sec., page requests are satisfied more quickly.

Troy seems to be operating with the blessings -- or benign neglect -- of both Reuters and Telerate. It's not clear, however, whether Troy will be encouraged to extend its product line to the record- oriented digital feeds being introduced by both vendors.