(Please note that the seminar information has been updated since this memo was first published on January 9, 2003.)
This memo is the first of what will be a series of notices concerning the CME�s new Firm Interface Strategy. Starting now, with a targeted completion of April 30th, we will be implementing a series of changes and will conduct testing to further enhance our data communications with clearing member firms. Our goal is to provide one robust network to accommodate both clearing traffic and order routing, and GLOBEX� communications. Furthermore, we are introducing firm clearing connectivity to the CME Remote Data Center.
So What Does this Mean For My Back Office?
We are requiring that all �FIN� data traffic that currently exists on our private World Com (WCOM) frame relay network be migrated to our private AT&T (GLOBEX) frame relay network. All WCOM connections must be eliminated. We are making this switch for several reasons, including:
Concerns about the quality of support that Worldcom can continue to provide, given the uncertainty of their current financial situation.
Current 2500 CISCO routers that are used on the FIN will no longer be supported by CISCO after April 30th. This would require us to replace all existing FIN routers with new 2600 series routers.
Immediate availability of the more robust and flexible enhanced AT&T frame network that is already sized to meet our current and future needs.
Existing redundancy of the AT&T frame relay network to the CME Remote Data Center.
What�s Next?
Clearing member firms, service bureaus, affiliated exchanges and like vendors that currently connect to the FIN, must do one of the following:
Request that we order new AT&T connections to replace the current WCOM connections.
Or, if they already have a GLOBEX connection, migrate the clearing related traffic through this existing circuit. However, if you select moving clearing traffic through the existing AT&T GLOBEX connection, it is our strong recommendation that you do so with a minimum band width of 512kb or a full T-1. For some firms, that will mean an increase in bandwidth.
Expanded Support for the Migration
As you begin the process of making this change, we have expanded technical support for addressing IP addressing and router configuration. Client Management has already contacted every clearing firm to alert them to this change and �plant the seed� of discussion among your network and telecommunications staff so the best solution can be determined.
CME GLOBEX Services support staff and AT&T network engineers will work with your staff to review your network diagrams your individual configurations, secure IP addressing and structures to ensure that your connection is reliable, recoverable and can accommodate quick conversions in the case of disaster recovery, both at the CME or within your organization.
So What is This Going to Cost Me?
If your firm chooses to migrate your clearing traffic through an existing GLOBEX connection, and your connection meets the minimum bandwidth requirements, it will not cost you anything more. In fact, you will save money because you will no longer have to pay for your FIN connection. However, if you elect to replace your FIN WCOM circuit with an AT&T connection, or if you must increase the bandwidth of the GLOBEX circuit to accommodate the combined traffic, the circuit costs are as follows:
56kb | $1000 |
128kb | $1250 |
256kb | $2000 |
512kb | $2500 |
1.544mb | $3500 |
Bear in mind that the AT&T frame relay network is a managed network. There is 24-hour monitoring of all connections and worldwide technical and service support.
Can the CME Give us Our Circuit Information?
Next week, we will forward to each firm a customized one page profile listing all your existing FIN and GLOBEX network connections. On the profile, we will note which options are available to your firm. You will select your choice, sign the form and return it to Client Management by the date indicated. The packet will be directed to the primary contact for the project as provided to Client Management.
Where Does the RDC Fit Into All of This?
Our Remote Data Center is already �fitted� with completed redundant infrastructure, including sonnet ring back bone to accommodate both the clearing and GLOBEX traffic. That will include C21, TOPS, iLink, FIX Express, FIX Classic, ORAPI, GLOBEX Trader and of course GLOBEX. In the event the CME needs to recover at this location, all clearing firm connections will automatically be available to communicate to our mainframes and servers located at the RDC.
I Still Have More Questions? Come to the Seminar!
Please plan to attend one of the CME- Firm Interface Strategy Seminars in Chicago or New York. The agenda will include the requirements for the circuit migration and Remote Data Center in our presentation. We will have hand outs, revised GLOBEX agreements to accommodate clearing traffic and those just for clearing connections.
February 5, 2003 � CME Auditorium 30 S. Wacker � UL 1:30 -3:30 pm (cst)
January 28, 2003 � New York City 10:00 � 12:00 pm (est)
Le Parker Meridian Hotel 118 WEST 57th Street
Please RSVP: olotan@cme.com by January 24th. Include the attendee�s name, title, phone and e-mail address.
In the Meantime?
For those firms that already know that they will need to replace WCOM circuits with AT&T for your clearing connection, you can place those circuit orders now. You do not have to wait for the seminar! You can contact Client Management to review the requirements as they relate to your firm, and then you will be turned over the GLOBEX Services support staff to complete the circuit ordering process and subsequent network testing. Then after your new connection is in place or the data network consolidation is completed, Client Management will complete any needed applications testing, such as MQM and FTP.
Questions?
For any questions concerning the requirement for the network consolidation and new strategy requirements you can contact:
Karen F. McCoy kmccoy@cme.com 312 930 4524
Ori Lotan olotan@cme.com 312 466 7430
If you have questions about your current GLOBEX circuit bandwidth and/or are ready to order your new or upgraded circuit you can contact:
Kathy Doherty kdoherty@cme.com 312 634 1594
If you have questions about the Remote Data Center you can contact:
Michele K. Ivanski mivanski@cme.com 312 930 4523
Please don�t put this memo to the side and forget it! We are moving quickly. We want any circuit upgrades or new orders to be placed with AT&T no later than February 1st. The remaining time will be needed for engineering changes and testing. Thank you!
