The new system allows market data clients to log on to Nova to view JSE data products that their company subscribes to as well as historical usage figures. This assists with risk management of monthly reporting for clients while reducing administration and complexity.

"Feedback from clients is that the new system is easy to navigate, provides them with better control of their monthly terminal and user reporting and has freed up some staff capacity," says Ana Forssman, Director of Market Data at the JSE. An added benefit is that the intuitive interface and historical usage information will be useful when data managers switch roles or leave a firm.

The application was designed and developed by the JSE's internal IT team using Agile methodology, piloted by this project. The first phase of the project is related to data from all markets with the exception of indices while the next two phases will extend this facility to indices reporting as well. Future releases of Nova will allow clients to upload data files for automatic processing which will streamline what was previously a manual process.

"Enhanced service is a key focus for the JSE and in general we're finding ways to automate as many as possible of our manual processes which are client facing. Automation of manual intensive processes enables us to place greater focus on building more strategic relationships with our clients," adds Forssman. Increased automation will allow the market data division to grow without a deterioration of service to clients. International demand for JSE data continues to grow, with 45% of data sales for 2012 having come from outside of South Africa. Traditional markets of Europe and the UK continue to be important but during 2012 we saw a spike in demand from North America - primarily from algorithmic players."