Notice to Members 00-38

Nasdaq Releases Its Latest Decimalization Testing Schedule

Published Date:

INFORMATIONAL

Decimalization

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Decimalization


Executive Summary

Nasdaq® has released its most recent decimalization testing schedule. The test schedules and necessary registration information are provided in this Notice to Members.

Questions/Further Information

Questions regarding this Notice to Members may be directed to the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD®) Decimalization Program Management Office (DPMO) tollfree at: (888) 227-1330 or via e-mail at [email protected].

For general information regarding decimalization, members should check the NASD Web Site (www.nasd.com) and Nasdaq TraderSM Web Site (www.nasdaqtrader.com) frequently. For information on industry preparation testing, members should check the Securities Industry Association (SIA) Web Site (www.sia.com) and view the Decimalization Testing & Implementation Guide.

Decimalization Testing Schedule
Date Test Testing Information
5/22/2000 Point-to-Point Nasdaq began offering Point-to-Point Testing on Customer Subscriber Test (CST) for listed decimal functionality.
6/10/2000 Extended
Point-to-Point		 Nasdaq participated in the industry's Extended Point-to-Point test for listed issues.
7/8/2000 & 7/15/2000 Weekend Production Testing Nasdaq will also offer external Weekend Production Testing opportunities. For these tests, the full complement of listed systems will be available with the possible exception of Intermarket Trading System (ITS).
8/12/2000 Extended Point-to-Point Nasdaq will participate in the industry's Extended Point-to-Point test for listed issues.

Registration Information

Point-To-Point Testing

Firms may conduct daytime testing on Nasdaq's CST System. Full decimal testing started on May 22, 2000. Member firms interested in testing should contact Nasdaq to establish testing arrangements. Please contact a Test Coordinator at:

Telephone: (800) 288-3783 or E-mail: [email protected]

Extended Point-To-Point Testing

On June 10, 2000, Nasdaq participated in the industry Extended Point-to-Point test. Nasdaq will participate in this testing again on August 12, 2000. Participants interested in testing must register with Nasdaq at least 48 hours prior to the test by calling (800) 288-3783 or sending an e-mail to: [email protected].

Weekend Production Testing

On July 8, 2000 and July 15, 2000, Nasdaq will offer external Weekend Production Testing. Participants interested in testing on these dates should register with Nasdaq at least 48 hours prior to the test by calling (800) 288-3783 or sending an e-mail to: [email protected].

Prerequisites And Requirements For Extended Point-To-Point Testing And Weekend Production Testing

  • For Nasdaq Workstation II® (NWII) or Application Programming Interface (API) Testing, tell us your Service Delivery Platform addresses which you plan to use in the test (see more information under "NWII/API Testing").


  • For Computer-to-Computer Interface (CTCI) Testing, tell us the CTCI circuit number that you plan to use in the test (see more information under "CTCI Testing").

Users may use their production NWII Logons (user IDs and passwords) for these tests. If member firms plan on utilizing their production systems for these tests, please take the necessary steps to protect your production data.

Participants must register at least 48 hours in advance of the testing date. Testing will be conducted using the IDs and passwords assigned during Year 2000 (Y2K) testing. If you want to test and do not have a Y2K ID, you must request one from Subscriber Services in order to access CST. Call Subscriber Services at (800) 777-5606 if you do not have a Y2K ID and password.

NWII/API Testing

If you are going to use a NWII for your testing and need to load software on a new personal computer, ask Subscriber Services to have NWII software sent to you. (Be sure that your personal computer has NT4/Service Pack 4 Operating System loaded).

When you have a Telebit NetBlazer available to use, call the Customer Support Services Help Desk at (800) 243-4284 and ask for a Tier II technician. Be sure to have the following information ready before calling.

  • Have your Y2K ID and password information available.


  • Know if the phone line that will be used for the NetBlazer requires a prefix to dial out (e.g., if you have to dial a "9" or some other digit before dialing 1-800).


  • Know the IP address that will be used for the NetBlazer.


  • Know if there is a firewall router in the environment that your NetBlazer will be used. If so, know its IP address.


  • Know the name you choose to use for the identifier configured for your NWII. (e.g., nqmo).


  • Boot your NetBlazer with the system disk provided with your modem (available upon request.)

CTCI Testing

You will be required to fill out a registration form and provide circuit information, which will serve as a guide to the tester setting up the test. This form can be returned to Nasdaq via fax or e-mail. To access the form, go to the Nasdaq Trader Web Site at the following address: www.nasdaqtrader.com/dynamic/technicalupdates.stm (then click on the link for "Nasdaq Decimalization Guides for Listed Equities" [May 24, 2000]).