QUICK CONNECTIONS

The FIXML specification for the pilot project is expected to be released on January 15, according to John Goeller, vice president of connectivity at Salomon Smith Barney and chairman of the FIXML working group. Goeller says that Matt Hammer at Innovision has been instrumental in the development of the specification. The pilot project was approved by the FIX Technical Committee in December.

The information technology consultancy iCore based in the United Kingdom has been assisting CREST Co. prepare for the millenium by carrying out extensive city-wide testing. CREST is the electronic settlement system for shares and other corporate securities in the UK and Ireland and any disruption to the company's IT system would affect the ability of the City to settle trades. iCore has coordinated both the Year 2000 testing of CREST's IT infrastructure and external trials with registrars, major banks and brokers that connect to CREST.

Don't miss the Institutional for International Research upcoming conference on straight through processing on January 25 in New York. The two-day conference will include an update on the latest developments in the Global Straight Through Processing Association's model, discovering how to map out electronic workflow and detailing the methods of information sharing between the front and back offices. Speakers include Robert Pierre, vice president, securities operations division at State Street Bank and Trust and a member of the GSTPA, Chuck Wiley, manager, securities market at Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) and John Goeller, vice president of connectivity at Salomon Smith Barney and a representative of the FIX Committee.

Speaking of conferences, the Securities Industry Association is gearing up for its Internet Update Conference on January 20-21 at the New York Hilton Hotel. More information about the conference can be found on the SIA website located at http://www.sia.com.