Purpose

The GemScribe FpML viewing/editing suite allows people to display and modify FpML documents easily using standard web browser forms.

Description

GemScribe is a Microsoft Internet Explorer-based application. It uses Microsoft XSL to display documents and HTML forms and Javascript functions for editing them. It requires little or no installation for IE 6.0 users; it is also compatible with IE 5.x with the installation of a free upgrade to MSXML.

Please see Downloads for an online demonstration of GemScribe.

Features

• Flexible and powerful displays focused on real FpML examples, including ones drawn from the FpML standard specifications.
• Use of standard editing controls such as drop down lists to select values from lists, check boxes for turning features on/off, and radio buttons for selecting from predefined alternatives.
• Outline-based display for quick navigation.
• Ability to load and display FpML documents from the Windows file system or from web (HTTP) servers.
• Ability to write FpML documents to the Windows file system or web (HTTP) servers.
• Customizable appearance using high-level templates
• Can be linked into browser-based applications.

Technology

• Internet Explorer 5+, MS XSLT 3.0+, Javascript

Applications

• Creating sample documents to test new FpML applications
• Displaying test documents created by new FpML applications.
• Displaying FpML documents supplied by counterparties, brokers, or external trading platforms
• As part of a web-browser based trade capture system.
• As a base for other trade displays, such as trade differences, pricing or hedging displays, etc.

Quality Assurance

• Key risk areas are tested using automatic regression testing scripts. For example, FpML examples are translated to HTML for display and this is regression tested using automated processes.
• A QA and beta release process is followed for new versions of the software.
• An internet-based defect reporting and tracking system is provided.

Status and Plan

• Selected by ISDA, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, to be the basis of an FpML editor to be distributed to its members.
• Currently in beta version of GemScribe for Interest Rate Swaps, IR Options, and FX products.
• Support for other asset classes is planned.

Availability

• For the ISDA version, please contact ISDA. It will be available for free to ISDA members and at a moderate cost to non-ISDA members.
• Please ask about support for other asset classes, such as Credit Derivatives.
• Also, please ask about customized versions of GemScribe, for example to act as a front end for a trade entry system or service.
• Individual consultants, please consider Joining as an Onyx member to learn more about this technology.