The aim of this book is to provide an objective vendor independent assessment of the Market Data Definition Language (MDDL), the eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML) standard for market data. Assuming little previous knowledge of the standard, or of systems networking, the book identifies the challenges and significance of the standard, examines the business and market drivers and presents decision makers with a clear, concise and jargon free read. Technical material is set off so that Systems Analysts are provided with an explanation to the standard’s business terms, context and deep hierarchical structure thus enabling them to create MDDL compliant interfaces. In this way, the book confers the knowledge to enable business and technology professionals to converse comfortably regarding financial systems integration. *First book to present the business case for MDDL adoption and implementation *Identifies the challenges and significance of the standard, examines the business and market drivers and presents decision makers with a clear, concise and jargon free read. *Technical material is set off from the text for systems analysts and provides comprehensive explanations of terms, context and deep hierarchical structure, thus enabling them to create MDDL compliant interfaces.