Abstract: A trading screen may include a plurality of next trade quantity regions that comprise a plurality of locations, each location being associated a price on a price axis. The quantities can be entered into the various locations in the next trade quantity regions and the entered quantities can be used as a parameter of a future trade order at the associated price level. The trading screen may also include a plurality of quantity entry regions that are displayed with respect to the price axis. The quantity entry columns may each include plurality of sub-regions or locations corresponding to different price levels in the price axis. The quantity entry columns may be used to specify next traded quantities that may be used in placing orders for tradeable objects.

Abstract: A method for performing financial trading amongst a plurality of alternative trading systems using a common financial computer platform. The method including the steps of receiving at the common financial computer platform a buy-order for a prescribed number shares at a prescribed price. Electronic communication is then established between the common financial computer platform and each of the plurality of alternative trading systems. At least a portion of the buy-order is then submitted from the common financial computer platform to each of the plurality of alternative trading systems. The common financial common platform then monitors each of the plurality of alternative trading systems to determine if at least a portion of the buy-order was executed by one of the plurality of alternative trading systems.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implementable instructions for insuring delivery of an electronic document in a data processing system. A request is received from a requestor to insure delivery of the electronic document. In response to receiving the request, a payment amount to insure delivery is identified based on network characteristics of a network in which the electronic document is to be transmitted. An acknowledgment of the electronic document is sent to the requestor, wherein the acknowledgment includes the payment amount. The electronic document is delivered in response to receiving a reply to the acknowledgment from the requestor accepting the identification of the payment amount. The requestor is notified of a successful delivery of the electronic document in response to receiving an acknowledgment from the recipient.