Trading robot and algo trading plugins: what to buy and what to skip.
Plugins can add features and cost. Buy for a clear purpose, test on a copy of your server, and plan who maintains each one.
Start with policy, not plugins
Decide which automated strategies you allow and write the rules. Often the policy solves a problem you thought needed software. Clients accept clear rules better than surprise restrictions.
Buy for a purpose
Signals and copy tools, risk and exposure monitors and challenge workflows each serve a product. If you cannot name the product, you do not need the plugin yet.
Maintenance is the hidden line
Every plugin needs updates when the platform changes. Ask who tests them and what it costs per year. Check server impact with your hosting provider.
Plugin licence traps
Check whether plugins are licensed per server, per client or per feature, whether updates are included, and what happens at renewal. Ask for the price of the next tier before you outgrow the first. Surprises usually appear when volumes rise.
A buying scenario
A broker wants to attract algorithmic traders and add a signals feature. Before buying plugins, they publish an automated-trading policy, test one signals plugin on a staging server and measure load. Only then do they decide on the next purchase. Staged buying keeps cost and risk under control.
Questions we hear
Do clients need a VPS for robots?
Many do. Decide whether to offer or recommend one.
Can I ban certain strategies?
Through terms and settings, within your agreement. Publish the rules first.