Fixed income software allows your business to locate all fixed income investments available at any given time. The software quickly locates bonds and mortgage-backed loans, the minimum amount of investment needed to participate, and the rate of return over the life of the loan. You can then recommend the best investments to round out your individual customer's diverse portfolio.

The software program you use needs frequent updates or you can choose web-based software that updates frequently. New investments develop almost continuously and you need to know which are the best investments for your diversified clientele. Look for the following when choosing fixed income trading software:

1. Choose fixed income schedule software you install and maintain yourself.

2. Use web-based fixed income software for automatic updates and free maintenance.

3. Add a specific fixed income program to your present program for more alternatives for your customers.

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

Select fixed income software products and install the system

Choose software that gives you all the information, from finding the investment to adding it to your customer's portfolio. Keep the software updated with the latest information so you stay on top of current offerings.

I recommend: TIPS offers "Standard Securities Calculations Software Library" that you download and maintain yourself. They update the library regularly with the latest bonds and MBS issues. Decision Software provides software currently used by many large investment firms. Fully integrated from front to back of house, this complete software allows you to enter trades in real-time, while delivering up-to-date pricing and analysis of each investment product.

Pick web-based fixed income solutions that maintain themselves

Web-based software solutions are updated by the hosting company on a regular basis for your convenience. Ask how often updates happen, so you stay abreast of new offerings the minute they are available.

I recommend: Aurora provides web-based "Winfits" which allows salespeople to view the company's offerings and make trades for their clients based on these offerings. Financial Technology Laboratory offers a web-based calculator for fixed income. Choose the instrument, and then fill in the blanks with current information. Your result will populate in the next screen.

Locate fixed income analysis software for increased detail

Special programs exist that just analyze the market on a continuous basis, looking at new offerings that arise. Use these programs to get the edge on competition and offer your customers the latest, best and most profitable investments.

I recommend: Aspen Graphics offers technical analysis software for fixed income investments. Use this product as a stand-alone or integrate with your current programs. Skytide offers software for timely analysis of fixed income products. Use this information to make informative decisions about your customers' portfolios.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fixed income investment software is the core of your business. Ask your insurance representative to add this and your computer to your insurance policy in case of vandalism or computer crash.