Experiences with various real time software and data vendors

["Mark Jackson" <maj@xxxxxxx>]

I would like input regarding various real time software programs and data
vendors.  I was seriously considering Tradestation 5.0 when it is released
because of the wide availability of indicators written for it and its
widespread installed base.  However, I am getting the sense that there may
be some significant level of dissatisfaction with Omega.  As a Metastock EOD
user I have the offer for Metastock Pro for an attractive price.  However,
to my knowledge I'm limited to BMI and a couple of Internet based quote
services.  I do not want Internet services because of the problem with web
crawl during heavy volume and random cutoffs from my ISP during times of
heavy web traffic - typical at 12 - 1 PM and 3:30 to 5:30 PM.  I would go
ballistic about multiple cutoffs during the last 30 minutes of the market.
So, the question is --- what kind of experience have others had with various
well recognized real time charting software and what has your experience
been with data vendors in terms of timeliness, clean data and tech support.
Please - no opinions that are not based on direct experience.  Thanks