____________

We are very proud to announce version 2.0 of the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in.  Over two years ago the original version was developed in defiance of the then opinion that .csv format datafiles could never be made to work with MetaStock.  The new version is rewritten from the ground up.  Frankly, originally the main reason for rewriting the code was a switch in programming language from C+ to Power Basic.  But that change allowed many new features to be added in the process.  While we were at it, the entire installation, data download and program maintenance structure were totally streamlined.  The result is a very user friendly overall process.  Supporting the new plug-in is a brand new web site, http://www.masterdatacompositeplugin.com.

One of the biggest problems of the previous version of the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in was updating datafiles.  The download file was well over 25 megabytes and growing rapidly.  The size of this file alone undoubtedly discouraged users from updating data intraday and, frankly, probably ever.  Add to that a visit to the web site was necessary to click on a download link along with manually logging in.  If something is cumbersome, it eventually just stops being done.  This was definitely cumbersome.

The new version divides downloads into two types, intraday and overnight.  Intraday downloads simply update datafiles already on the user’s computer.  The result is a very fast update time requirement.  The overnight download transfers the entire datafile from start to finish to the user’s computer.  The overnight download is necessary because historical datafiles are almost constantly adjusted due to constituent list changes, component price and volume corrections and many other factors.  These overnight downloads are therefore larger and take more time, but the new incorporated MasterDATAlink program allows the process to be entirely automated so it can occur overnight while the user is away from his computer or, at least, completely transparent in the background.  By performing this full update overnight, the time required for intraday updates is minimized significantly.  Additionally, rather than transferring the MetaStock format price files during the download, they are created on the user’s end as part of the updating process.  The result is a much, much faster overall download time requirement.  Less required time equals more likelihood that downloads will occur.  No visit to the web site.  No logging in.  Everything involved with the download process may now be totally automated.

Additionally, significant new functionality was added to the plug-in.  MetaStock formulas may now be written that can call a desired, specified statistic by the MetaStock functions “base” symbol as in the past, but also by a specified symbol and / or specified data period.  For example, daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly advancing issues may be displayed in one chart.  This new flexibility provides some very illustrative charts and allows MetaStock to do even more things it has never been able to do before.  Importantly, it is not rocket science to accomplish.  The plug-in makes it quite easy.

The previous version of the plug-in also required MetaStock to be in a certain default location.  Version 2.0 of the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in allows Metastock to be located in any directory on any local drive.  Additionally, the plug-in supporting programs can now be installed in any location (although I still highly recommend using the default locations).

This new version of the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in provides a solid foundation for the future.  Not just for the evolution of the plug-in itself, but for the application of composite / breadth analysis of the markets and the growing ETF market.  This very user friendly version of the plug-in is absolutely necessary as we begin to delve into the discussion of how use use the data itself.

In writing the new code for the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in, I knew I was also writing the code for both the MasterDATAlink program utilized by MasterDATACSV.com subscribers to download up to date composite / breadth datafiles as well as the MetaStockCSV Plug-in.  As a result, with a tiny bit of code modification, both revised programs will be published shortly.  The number of our products and services has been boiled down to two, the plug-in and the .csv format datafiles.  Yet users will access everything and more available to them in the past.  All the features detailed above for the MasterDATA Composite Plug-in, will be fully incorporated in the new revisions of these programs.

Once done, finally, we can get on to the business of finding applications for our composite / breadth data and MetaStock plug-ins.  I knew I could not proceed to this ultimate objective until everything else was in good order.  Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!

By the way, when we make a program or datafile change, one of our highest priorities will always be to provide the smoothest transition path possible for all subscribers.  Sometimes that is simply not possible.  When that happens we sincerely apologize.  Each new version release, keeps this objective in mind.

Monthly Letters To Subscribers
This letter is the third letter to subscribers this year.  I admit this letter is so long overdue that it can no longer be called a “monthly” update, but in my defense, the new MasterDATA Composite Plug-in took up most of the time period.  This was a monumental task that needed to be done.  Done properly, I believe a full rewrite will not be needed for the foreseeable future, if ever.

There is one further and important continuing commitment to you.  Letters will not be solicitations to buy or subscribe to anything.  Subscribers will be informed of new services, but we will make every effort to stick to the facts without any hype.  Finally, if you would rather not receive our monthly letter, a link will be provided at the bottom of each (including this one) to easily remove yourself from future mailings.

MasterDATA will never share or sell your email address, period.  Even if we have associations, affiliates, partners or any other kind of relationship, the only email you will ever receive as a result of subscribing to anything MasterDATA offers will be an email directly from MasterDATA.  We have all been sucked in by some seemingly reputable internet service or product that then distributed our email address to what seemed like every junk mailer on the web.  That will never happen here.