Xenomorph News - May 2009 Newsletter
News in Brief
New Case Study – Derivatives Data and Model Management for Insight Investment
The Insight Investment case study demonstrates how Xenomorph TimeScape provides the technology to build a market leader by connecting the data with the models quickly, flexibly and transparently.
"Xenomorph’s TimeScape is a robust and scalable OTC enabling technology; the flexible data model and subsequent data accessibility are key factors in our ability to support the use of OTC instruments.”
Gareth Exell, Head of IT Strategy,
Insight Investment.
New Case Study – Faster Market Data Analysis in Less Time for TriCygnet
TriCygnet, leader in global macro investment, has chosen Xenomorph's data and analytics management suite, TimeScape, to help it manage and analyse global market data quickly, accurately and efficiently.
TimeScape best met the fund's requirement for a flexible, robust and scalable solution, capable of managing huge volumes of data and providing in-depth proprietary data analysis. The solution also enables TriCygnet to identify quickly relative pricing, performance, historical and implied volatility trends, all of which results in faster and more accurate analysis, with less time spent acquiring and maintaining data and more time spent devising and implementing investment strategies.
Not only does TimeScape reduce labour-intensive tasks, it also dramatically reduces the operational risk of human error in the investment process.
Xenomorph User Group – Getting Client Feedback
Thanks to everyone who made Xenomorph's first London User Group a success. Following an evening of culinary delights at The Mercer restaurant, the day was kicked off by our guest facilitator Dr. Robert Benoist of the risk consultancy 'Benoist and Company' based in Munich. Boyan Yankov from CSC assisted Robert with the technical stream during the day.
Well represented by both London and international clients, the day provided an opportunity to hear about the latest technological advances in TimeScape 3.2, the version released in October 2008, and to discuss the pros and cons of ideas for future product direction. Client feedback from the day suggested that the client presentations and best practice sessions, covering both business and technical issues, provided valuable opportunities for clients to get to know each other, discuss ideas and gain insight into potential solutions to upcoming challenges.
Overall feedback was very positive and everyone concurred that the XDB SQL release is warmly anticipated. We would like to extend our thanks to all those who attended and contributed to making the day a success and hope to welcome those who were unable to make it to future meetings.
If you would like to attend either the next Xenomorph User Group or shorter meetings covering specific topics please let your account manager know.
Derivatives for the Buy-Side – Get the Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in CityIQ's survey on derivatives for the buy-side, featured in the previous edition of XenoNews.
The survey revealed that despite the recent set backs in the market the increase in derivatives transaction volumes for buy-side institutions looks set to continue. However, most respondents expressed significant concerns regarding both the robustness of their operational set up and their ability to manage the valuation process.
The presentation of the findings was supported by a panel debate on the future of the derivatives market. The panel included representatives from Northern Trust, NumeriX, Fiserv and Brian Sentance of Xenomorph who discussed the topics raised in the report and answered questions from the audience.
If you missed out on the survey and event but would like to see a copy of the report please click here: http://www.cityiq.com/34.html
Xenomorph in the News
Cost reduction an issue?
The subject of cost reduction in the area of data management is explored in the 'Tight Ships' article by Tine Thoresen which appeared in Inside Reference Data on 01 March 2009.
Brian Sentance, CEO of Xenomorph, shares his views on the issues including: the need to offer flexible licensing; the ability to justify data management risk projects given the direct savings in regulatory capital that can be achieved; and the belief that the reference data market is largely protected as it is under regulatory pressure to provide multi-sourced pricing and valuation capabilities.
Click here to read the full article.
Xenomorph TimeScape on Microsoft's SQL Server 2008 explored
Eileen Lee speaks to Chris Budgen, Chief Technical Architect at Xenomorph on his Team's collaboration with Microsoft to enable Xenomorph's time-series technology – TimeScape – to run within Microsoft SQL Server 2008. In addition to exploring the drivers and challenges behind this project, the benefits of the solution are explored: performance enhancement; simplified management; increased productivity; reduced operational risk and alignment with regulatory compliance needs.
Click here to read the full article.
TriCygnet chooses Xenomorph's TimeScape
There was plentiful coverage of TriCygnet's use of Xenomorph's TimeScape data and analytics management solution, including a more in-depth feature in Inside Market Data, 9 February 2009.
Click here to read the article.
Xenomorph Blog
Here's a summary of the postings to the Xenomorph blog since the last newsletter.
8 May 2009 - Regulating OTCs Out Using Capital?
8 May 2009 - Data Quality and the Future of Risk
8 May 2009 - Analytics Management from Celent
7 May 2009 - Technical and Human Analysis
6 May 2009 - Less risk on the buy-side?
1 May 2009 - Fight-back by the OTC Market?
08 April 09 - High Performance Spreadsheets
30 March 09 - Capital Requirements for Asset Managers
20 March 09 - Merging in Public is difficult......
03 March 09 - UK invests in a CDO cubed?
23 February 09 - Regulatory Camouflage
20 February 09 - A Lottery of Bonuses
13 February 09 - Data Management, Derivative Analytics and the Spreadsheet
11 February 09 - The Respect Scenario from the FSA?
05 February 09 - What Investment Banking is all about?
04 February 09 - The "Bubble Index" cometh...
02 February 09 - Don't just say the Numbers, count!
30 January 09 - Risk Proposal from Roubini
29 January 09 - CDS Asymmetry not for Soros
Xenomorph Software Ltd
tel: +44 (0)20 7614 8600 | web: www.xenomorph.com | email: info@xenomorph.com