Technological advances in computer processing,
information systems, and communication links have allowed
individual investors market access. This has resulted in an
injection of capital into the U.S. financial markets which
fuels various segments of the economy and creates new capital
requirements. A near real time ability to both access
information and execute trades is traditionally limited to
professional investors. As the volume of trading increases,
however, investors desire a corresponding increase in the
markets accessibility.
This paper analyzes methods that brokerage houses can
employ new technologies to provide individual investors near
real time access to financial markets. This includes
obtaining market, news and personal portfolio information as
well as submitting securities trades. Feasibility study
results indicate that a handheld, two-way wireless device is
the optimum solution. A life cycle cost and technical
analysis trade-off is performed using the implementation of
Cellular Digital Packet Data and Radio Packet Data. Based on
the results, a Radio Packet Data system is proposed.
next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.
![[VT]](http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/images/ETD-db/restricted.gif)
