Chicago - Azul Systems, Inc., the provider of Java runtime scalability, has announced that it has signed an OEM agreement with Chicago based OptionsCity Software, the provider of real-time electronic trading solutions to the derivatives markets. OptionsCity will integrate Azul's Zing into Freeway, its server-based, multi-asset algorithmic trading platform, as well as Metro, its market making and electronic trading platform.

Zing is a 100% Java-compatible native Java Virtual Machine (JVM) optimized for the Linux operating system. It features continuous low-latency operation while supporting large numbers of CPU cores and hundreds of GBytes of memory. Zing makes use of highly optimized compilers as well as Azul's Continuously Concurrent Compacting Collector (C4) technology, thus implementing a pauseless garbage collection algorithm.

OptionsCity's Metro platform aims to provide traders with full control over trading, safety, and risk management. Newly launched Freeway is server-based trading platform designed for quick development and deployment of custom algorithmic trading strategies.

"OptionsCity is in a unique position to provide ultra-low latency trading solutions in this fast-changing environment and this requires continuous performance optimizations," remarked Hazem Dawani, OptionsCity CEO. "We are pleased to integrate the Zing JVM as part of these ongoing efforts and are confident that the benefits will be recognized by our customers."

"Zing was designed and optimized for high-value applications where predictable performance is essential," said Scott Sellers, Azul Systems president and CEO. "By delivering ultra-low-latency Java and Scala performance for Metro and Freeway, Zing creates new value and new capabilities for OptionsCity customers. We are excited about our partnership with OptionsCity and the benefits it brings to the trading community."