Internet stock trading software connects you directly to the action with live updates in real time and instant alerts that you need. Other than being on the trading floor, you don't get the news any faster and this means timely trades and greater profits for you and your customers. This fast-paced profession requires state-of-the-art precision so you can get into or out of the deal fast.

Choose separate software programs that integrate with live action through your Internet connection or choose web-based programs hosted on that company's site. You may even opt for complete programs that download to your phone or PDA so you connect wherever you go at any time of the day or night. Look at the following when choosing your online brokerage software solution:

1. Buy online brokerage software to perform your brokerage duties.

2. Use web-based online brokerage software for anytime use.

3. Find Internet trading software programs for use on your mobile phone or PDA.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase online brokerage software that integrates with the Internet

Choose software programs that connect in real-time to the Internet, so you get the latest updates and alerts on all of the stocks you are trading.

I recommend: Tiger Soft offers software for professional stockbrokers and financial advisers. Update the system with current information in less than a minute per day, so you always have the freshest information to offer your clients. Tools for Money provides comprehensive software for financial advisers who deal with stocks. Make wise investment choices for your customers, based on real-time answers about the current market conditions.

Locate web-based software for online brokerage and save on maintenance

Many companies offer software as a service, which means they host and maintain the software and you pay per usage. This way there is no software to download and install and when upgrades happen, the company passes them on to you as part of their service to you.

I recommend: ASI Advisor Software offers a complete online brokerage software package that is completely web-based, thus eliminating the need to maintain costly systems on your own servers. Fund Manager offers software for professionals with the ability to retrieve prices from the Internet. They offer an evaluation program, so try before you buy.

Implement PDA solutions for online brokerage and stay connected

The stock market is very volatile, so keeping up with it may mean downloading software to your PDA or mobile phone, so you can trade in airports, restaurants or even at home when you must make that transaction.

I recommend: Meta Quotes provides software for your PDA or mobile phone for your stock trading action. This full-function trading terminal allows you to take the office with you and assist your customers with buying, selling, trailing stop-loss options and all other full broker functions. Palm Infocenter allows you to upload and download all important information on your Palm including historical information and live updates. Connect to your customers and their portfolios no matter where you happen to be.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy your online brokerage software solutions from a vendor you trust. Although the cost may be cheaper with a lesser known vendor, the software may be flawed or worse yet, could have a virus.