You’re a professional trader who needs financial sales software that’s reliable, offers sophisticated features, and is flexible. Thanks to the Internet, you have many options to choose. Many developers make sales and trading software applications. Online brokers also offer trading software you can use after you open an account.

These trading software programs are web-based. They can be adequate for the average investor, but since you’re a professional trader, you need financial trading software that offers sophisticated features, such as seeing how many shares the market makers are buying or selling. You’ll have to pay a subscriber fee for these features. On the other hand, companies exist that sell these stand-alone financial sales software programs. Whether you’re contemplating trading software that’s online or stand-alone, check for the following features:

1. Portfolio management in the sales software tool

2. Mobile phone access in financial trading software

3. Trading simulations in the trading software

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

Make sure your trading software has a portfolio management component

To trade successfully, your providers' trading software must have a solid portfolio management component. Track your trading positions. You can also let the trading software show you charts and graphs as to the profitability of your trading positions.

I recommend: Anfield Capital makes financial trading software where you can view your portfolio and learn its value. The software offers two trading software applications that contain portfolio management. Optionomics Corp. makes trading software that includes portfolio management; you’ll like this product because it was designed by traders.

Ensure your sales and trading software provides mobile phone accessibility

You'll definitely want to take advantage of this feature. Most sales and trading solutions offer this feature. If you have a Blackberry, why not put it to use to help you make money? Just as with computers, you can trade securities or check your account. Check around to see which mobile devices receive support from providers of financial trading software.

I recommend: E*Trade Financial offers mobile trading solutions. You can use your Blackberry to access your account, have streaming real-time quotes, and monitor your portfolio. FX Solutions LLC also offers sales and trading solutions for your mobile device. Go to FX Solutions’ website and click on the type of mobile device.

Use your financial trading software's trading simulation feature

Although you're a professional trader, at times you may just want to perform simulation trades. Simulation trading allows you to trade your positions without risking any of your capital. This can be a useful strategy in that you can find out what works versus what doesn't.

I recommend: PFGBEST.com is one of the top providers of financial trading software. It offers a $50,000 simulated futures account where you can test your ideas. Lind Waldock has received excellent trading software reviews so you’ll want to check out this company. It also offers a $50,000 simulated account.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you invest in sales and trading software, make sure you know all the fees that the provider charges. It's not uncommon for most providers to charge exchange fees.