Abstract: A computer-implemented method for trading a financial instrument. The method can include receiving an instrument designation for a financial instrument, receiving an offset value, related to the instrument, and receiving an actuation of at least one of a better buyer selector and a better seller selector related to the instrument. The method can include receiving a base value related to the instrument, receiving a timeout rule related to the instrument, and receiving a timeout value related to the instrument. The timeout rule can be an interval type, and the timeout value can be a time interval. The timeout rule can be a custom type, and the timeout value can be a mathematical expression. In addition, the method can include generating a request to buy the instrument at a value of the offset above the bid price for the instrument, and buying the instrument.

Abstract: An investment and a method for hedging operational risk associated with another's business events is disclosed. In particular, the method includes a seller receiving consideration from a buyer and, in return for the consideration, making a payment to the buyer upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event payment is for a predetermined amount and may be related to an expected economic loss to the buyer if the predetermined event occurs. The predetermined event is related to a complete or partial success or failure of a reference entity's product, service, or product and service, and may or may not cause an economic loss to the buyer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel way to forecast the number of software defects for an upcoming software release. The systems and methods of the present invention involve evaluating the relative size of the upcoming software release with respect to a baseline software release, and estimating the number of expected defects based on the relative size of the upcoming software release and the number of observed software defects for the baseline release. Additional robustness may be achieved by adjusting the forecast to take into consideration regression defects that were detected in the baseline release as well as any code re-factoring. The present invention may be used in various applications such a project management system to allow a project manager to allocate sufficient resources to handle software defects, and to plan accordingly. In various embodiments, a metric is provided to measure the quality achieved after product implementation, based on the forecasted number of software defects.