You're essentially correct on all points but clients tend to use many more than 4 functions though significantly less than the total number.
And with regards to IM and email, it should be noted that any user of a Bloomberg terminal can IM any other user anywhere in the world (there's no 'friending' or anything). Many, many trades are conducted over IM or 'IB' as it's called.
The most accurate analog I can think of to the Bloombeg terminal is Emacs. It has everything and the kitchen sink (News, dining suggestions, email, IM, sports updates, etc.) and clients are extremely particular about functionality. I have a cousin that's been a subscriber since 1997.
And with regards to code quality, I'm not sure how much I'm permitted to say, but the first Bloomberg terminal was released in the 1980s (this was before SQL existed). Also they maintain the largest private network in the world (they run a line to every terminal)... so all the things that go with that.
> The most accurate analog I can think of to the Bloombeg terminal is Emacs. It has everything and the kitchen sink (News, dining suggestions, email, IM, sports updates, etc.) and clients are extremely particular about functionality.
Of course, Emacs is free. Do you think Bloomberg is susceptible to competition from a much lower-priced and much leaner startup?
You're essentially correct on all points but clients tend to use many more than 4 functions though significantly less than the total number.
And with regards to IM and email, it should be noted that any user of a Bloomberg terminal can IM any other user anywhere in the world (there's no 'friending' or anything). Many, many trades are conducted over IM or 'IB' as it's called.
The most accurate analog I can think of to the Bloombeg terminal is Emacs. It has everything and the kitchen sink (News, dining suggestions, email, IM, sports updates, etc.) and clients are extremely particular about functionality. I have a cousin that's been a subscriber since 1997.
And with regards to code quality, I'm not sure how much I'm permitted to say, but the first Bloomberg terminal was released in the 1980s (this was before SQL existed). Also they maintain the largest private network in the world (they run a line to every terminal)... so all the things that go with that.