The implementation of the binary version of the OUCH protocol is one of the first important steps in the preparation for MiFID II. Nasdaq Nordic will introduce nanosecond timestamp granularity across all INET Nordic protocols.

With the introduction of binary OUCH there will be a number of additional changes to the protocol including, but not limited to, introduction of optional fields.

Latest information on all upcoming changes is available under “INET Nordic Enhancements”.

Note that a separate IT-Notice 29/15 was published last week regarding mandatory upgrade to binary versions of the ITCH and GLIMPSE protocols as well as a mandatory upgrade of the ITCH for Reported Trades protocol, available in OTF and to be launched in production November 16, 2015.
An IT-Notice regarding updated FIX protocols will be published separately. FIX changes will be available in OTF from June 22, 2015 and are to be launched in production October 16, 2015.

Protocol specifications and Delta document

Updated protocol specifications, including the underlying transport level binary protocols, and a delta document “Binary OUCH – Protocol Changes” is available at Nasdaq Nordic Technical Information web site under Future INET Nordic Protocol Specifications.

Implementation and migration schedule

Current OUCH ports need to be reconfigured by Nasdaq Nordic to use the binary version of the OUCH protocol including the underlying protocol SoupBinTCP. Customers shall request reconfiguration of OUCH ports in OTF, on a per port basis, from Member Services. The binary OUCH is available in OTF from June 22, 2015.

A mandatory certification of clients’ OUCH application is required in OTF prior to Production launch. Certification test cases and procedures will be communicated by September 7, 2015 the latest.

Test and Production OUCH ports will be reconfigured to the binary version November 13, 2015, for launch in OTF November 14 and INET Production November 16, 2015. Customers have the possibility to migrate production OUCH ports from October 26, 2015, a three weeks migration period for those that want a staggered migration rollout.

Current ASCII version of OUCH is obsolete from November 16, 2015.

Current OUCH DROP will be retired with the introduction of Binary OUCH. Current OUCH DROP users are asked to migrate to “FIX DROP for OUCH” no later than October 26, 2015. All drop protocols will be available via FIX only going forward (drop copies of FIX Order Entry-, FIX Trade Reporting- and OUCH Order Entry messages).


Migration to Binary OUCH is MANDATORY effective Nov 16, 2015!

Time Schedule

• INET Test (OTF) – June 22, 2015
   
• INET Production – November 16, 2015*

 
* Nasdaq Nordic will offer an OUCH migration period of three weeks prior to the mandatory launch date (Oct 26 – Nov 16, 2015). The new version of FIX DROP for OUCH will be available from October 16, 2015.
 
Testing access

Members need to request for re-configuration of OUCH ports by sending an e-mail to Nasdaq Member Services:
Tel: +46 8 405 6560
E-mail: ms.inet@nasdaq.com
 
Support and Certification

For technical questions, please contact Nasdaq Tech Support:
Tel: +46 8 405 6410,
E-mail: operator@nasdaq.com
 
Questions and feedback

For further information and feedback concerning this information, please contact Ronny Thellman, +46 8 405 6313, ronny.thellman@nasdaq.com