Apparatus and method for processing data

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for processing data. The apparatus includes a plurality of entry systems for receiving the data from a respective plurality of contributors which each formulate the data based on respectively different: a) input data, and b) rules for governing how the input data is used to formulate the data. The apparatus also includes a tracking system having a data normalizer configured to normalize the formulated data received from each of the plurality of contributors into a common format. The tracking system performs at least one comparison of the normalized data from the entry systems and signals results of the comparison.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . Apparatus for processing data, said apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of entry systems for receiving from each of a plurality of contributors a respective plurality of communications relating to trading of financial instruments, wherein said plurality of contributors each trade financial instruments independently of each other,   a data normalizer for normalizing said communications received from each of said plurality of contributors in order to obtain a respective plurality of normalized communications for each of said contributors, wherein said normalized communications for said plurality of contributors has a common format,   a dynamic alert detector for examining movement up or down relating to value of at least one of said financial instruments and for signaling when a threshold has been exceeded, wherein said threshold is obtained from said plurality of normalized communications.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said one of said financial instruments is bought or sold responsive to said signaling.