MEFF provides its members and third party software providers with a simulation environment that is technically identical to the production environment, enabling them to test their software developments in a controlled environment. In addition, during a period of time prior to launch of a new version of the MEFF system, a simulation environment is set up for testing the new version.

For exchange members, access to the simulation environments is conducted using the same lines and equipment as for accessing the production environment, except that these test environments are available on only one of the MEFFAccess nodes and one of the MEFFGates interfaces. ISVs can access simulation environments via dedicated, VPN or ISDN lines.

MEFF assigns a simulation member code to each member or ISV. To avoid confusion, these codes are different to the production environment access codes. This means that that a simulation code will never be accepted for valid access to the production environment or vice versa. One of the logon message fields of the FIX protocol indicates whether the user is connecting to the production or simulation environment.

It is up to members to put in place whatever resources they deem necessary to avoiding confusion between the two environments.

Usually the same contracts can be traded in the simulation environment as in the production system.

MEFF collaborates on simulations and recommends certain minimal tests that take into consideration a range of specific situations that can arise on the exchange. MEFF does not certify any exchange access software developed by either an ISV or by exchange members who are ultimately responsable for vouching that they work properly.

+34.91.709.5000, Technology Services Department.