CHICAGO --The Chicago Board Options Exchange has begun a rollout of wireless handheld market-maker computer terminals that can record trades, transmit trade data for price reporting and clearing functions, and provide market makers with up-to-theminute trading information.
Currently, 14 wireless market-maker terminals, employing infrared transmission technology, and 70 tethered units are operating on the trading floor. By the summer 1995, the exchange plans to increase to 150 the number of wireless units on the trading floor.
The board plans eventually to use 800 wireless terminals. Their high-speed touch-screen technology enables the market maker to quickly record essential trade data. Trade time is automatically recorded to the second, creating a sales log and audit trail.
