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Maybe he's using the same ZenFire feed for live strategies and development/testing of new strats. I use my Mirus acct for live trading and get backtest data through an account at Amp when I'm on another computer.
I have paid to CNS today, so far no account have been arranged. Hopefully, they will create it someday. I actually have expected a bit faster response, but... no hurry.
I have ordered 512MB traders Desktop, will try to install there Ninja 7 and see how it goes with my simple strategies. Will keep you updated.
I read most of the thread, but skimmed as it was 3 full pages. So please excuse me if I repeat something.
I have first hand experience with this very issue and my conclusion is that it is best to get a dedicated server and forgo the VPS model. Here are the reasons:
1. When software updates are made, the server is rebooted, and as such your applications will get rebooted.
2. Other users tend to break things and that could result in service interruption.
3. Servers are cheap now, it really doesn't pay to have a VPS for the sake of saving 25.00 per month (the cost above a VPS) for what you need to do.
1. It's centralized so you can get to your platform from anywhere.
2. By renting a server from a good company, you will have better connectivity and reliability to the net than through your DSL/Cable.
3. You can dedicate the box to this sole purpose.
4. You can code some features and view results via a webpage using IIS.
5. You can run a centralized database with your own tick data, etc.
Let me be clear, there is nothing that I listed that you can't do at home, other than 2. But as is the case with 3, it makes no sense to buy WinNT, and a server, when you can just rent one for a small fraction (and it includes your bandwidth).
I guess it's a personal preference thing. I do all my development, backtest, optimize, tests, etc on a workstation at home. Using GoToMyPC, I can access that box from anywhere so it can work even when I'm not . I'd look at a VPS or real server colo at a broker for my production enviroment when I'm ready for it, but the heavy lifting is done in the home office.
I have also loads of experience running NT in VPS. I hired one VPS for a year, (big mistake). I will hire a dedicated server next time. The random reboots are a mess.
I would be interested in getting help in the following point mentioned by Camelback
"You can code some features and view results via a webpage using IIS."
It has been four months since the first post and I hope an update would be helpful to many who are new to using VPS for automation:
- Overall, I found that using VPS eliminated a lot of risks from my trading business--connection problems, OS stability issus, etc. More importantly, since I do not have to watch the price (I trade intraday strategies), I would not make any impulse trades.
- With my limited four-month experience with CNS, I have experienced no random reboots as they promised with their Trading Desktops. No connection issues during trading hours that is caused by VPS, no freeze or "blue screens". Sometimes the order processing speed appears to be slow but this could be caused by software/broker and further investigation is needed.
Many thanks to the members who have given their own experiences and recommendations. Some recommended dedicated servers. To me, the cost changes from $50 to $100 per month but I do not see major benefits to justify the extra cost. Having said that, I might need to try dedicated server and run six months side-by-side with VPS to see the difference. There might be improvements in execution speed and the reduction of slippage or less missed trades might far exceed the extra cost, especially if trading multiple contracts. I appreciate any first hand exprience or comments.
here's my situation - I primarily scalp ES, HG, CL intraday - approx 60 - 100 contracts depending on the market conditions -
I am interested in using offsite equipment in hopes of having more computing power, maintenance provided and access whenever/wherever.
Question: If you have a dedicated server or VPS and my platform is loaded (Ninja) on it - how do you get charts displayed to your multiple monitors?
Currently I have four 23" widescreens -
For the most part - I have noticed that this approach (VPS) is for auto strats - does anybody use offsite horsepower/maintained machines for scalping??
Am I gaining anything by this approach??
before I purchase an expensive workstation with Quads and multiple SAS drives I thought that perhaps a commercial approach (lease the equip) might be better. But I don't understand how it gets the charts displayed on my monitors - 4 virtual desktops??
Any thoughts, ideas, criticisms welcome -
And Kudos to the trader that started this thread -
rr - Chicago
I actually have expected a bit faster response, but... no hurry. 
. I'd look at a VPS or real server colo at a broker for my production enviroment when I'm ready for it, but the heavy lifting is done in the home office.