Abstract: Methods for displaying price charts are disclosed. One method includes loading into a memory a set of stored chart images representing a set of price charts, displaying a selected one of the stored chart images on a screen, and mapping between a set of pixel positions on the selected stored chart image and a set of charted points on the corresponding price chart. Another method includes specifying a timestamp sequence, iteratively selecting individual timestamps from the timestamp sequence, and, for each selected timestamp, rendering a price chart image on a screen such that a set of charted points indicated by the selected timestamp is displayed. Another method includes selectively displaying trade events on a rendered price chart image and, for each displayed trade event, showing a graphic notation at a point on the price chart corresponding to the time and price values of the trade event.

Abstract: A connection management system for a data service system that is accessible through a plurality of access requests includes a request classifier that classifies each of the access requests as either a persistent connection request or a non-persistent connection request based on a predetermined classification policy. The connection management system also includes a persistent connection request processor that allows a connection established for a persistent connection request from a first remote user terminal to remain open after the request is processed by the data service system. A non-persistent connection request processor is also included in the connection management system that causes a connection established for a non-persistent connection request from a second remote user terminal to be closed after the non-persistent connection request is processed by the data service system. In addition, a method of managing connections of the data service system is also described.

Abstract: A data service system is described that includes a plurality of data content sites and is coupled to a number of user terminals via a network. The data service system also includes a system for providing performance guarantees for the content sites. The system for providing performance guarantees includes a plurality of class processors, each for controlling access throughput of one of the content sites in accordance with a predetermined admission control policy. When one of the class processors receives an access request for one of the content sites, that class processor determines if the access request should be accepted based on the corresponding admission control policy and sends the access request to the corresponding content site when accepting the access request. The system also includes a classifier that determines to which one of the class processors the access request should be sent. A method of controlling access throughput of the content sites is also described.