OpenFAST is a 100% Java implementation of the FAST Protocol (FIX Adapted for STreaming). The FAST protocol is used to optimize communications in the electronic exchange of financial data. OpenFAST is flexible and extensible through high volume - low latency transmissions. The FAST protocol uses a data compression algorithm to decrease the size of data by two processes.

• First Process: Field Encoding - Data that is simliar or redundant is removed.
• Second Process: Transfer Encoding - Serialize remaining data through binary encoding.

The FAST protocol also uses templates to enhance data compression and decompression. The only specification among the templates is that the creator and end-user must agree upon a template before data can be streamed. Any template guide may be used, such as XML or a basic text file. To learn more about OpenFAST and the FAST protocol, visit the FAQ.

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