The new FIX/FAST market data format, which is CME’s next step in the generation of market data, dramatically reduces end-to-end latencies and improves bandwidth scalability.  The new format is based on FIX and FAST protocols for increased efficiency and is the basis of a new industry standard for market data.  FIX/FAST is scheduled to launch in the New Release Certification environment by the end of July 2007, and in the Production environment late in the third quarter of 2007.

The FIX/FAST Software Development Kit, with sample messages and templates, is now available online at www.cme.com/fixfast . 

In preparation for this upcoming migration, we strongly recommend that all Market Data Distributors take the following actions:

Ø      Upgrade your circuit connectivity to 40MB

Ø      Obtain a connection to CME’s New Release CERT environment

To get these processes started, please contact Kevin Brady at kbrady@cme.com or at 312.648.3653.