Almost every aspect of life has taken an online approach with the emergence of the computer error. The whole concept of globalization could not have turned into a reality were it not for the sake of computers and related technology. As a result, therefore, software engineering, which is the basis of technological revolution, has been largely embraced to enhance efficiency and reliability in most processes. In the current society, complex tasks and functions have been successfully broken down into extremely simplified processes with the use of computer programs.
Software engineering refers to the use of computer programs to design computer systems in a systematic method. A software engineer, therefore, does not design such systems but also tests evaluate and maintain such programs to ensure that they perform as per their intended purposes (Agarwal, & Tayal, 2013). Hence, to ensure safe and reliable stock trading, software engineering will help to create a real-time trading platform, create a safe and secure trading environment, increase the number of investors in stock markets by offering varied options to trade in and finally increase the overall efficiency in online stock trade.
Sudweeks et al., (2012) note that one of the biggest challenges that have faced the online stock trade is fraudulent transactions initiated by some unethical hackers who access the traders' accounts and swindle their investments. Fraudulent transactions have been largely aided by the fact that most online stock trading platforms do not offer sufficient encryption of their clients’ accounts. In fact, most platforms operate on what is known as a single user identification log-in system where one is required to enter a four-digit personal identification number to access his or her online account.
Software engineering will thus help guarantee the most secure online stock trading by creating programs that operate on a double verification procedure, encryption, and authorization feature that allows users to go through two stages before accessing their accounts (Larson, 2012). For example, one might be required to use biometric features to acquire a temporary personal identification number for access which then expires once the user logs out. All such program can only be developed by software engineers who have the knowledge of applying computer programs to create such secure programs for use in online stock trade.
Unsecured online stock trading has also been as a result of the use of different devices to access the online trading platforms. For example, one might use his smartphone, personal computer, workplace computer and even cyber café computers to access one account. What most hackers do is that they install running codes and programs in some public computers that help them access encrypted data from personal accounts. For instance, some of the programs have the ability to retain passwords and internet protocol addresses of some sensitive sites which are later used to access online stock accounts.
Software engineering will thus help eradicate such insecurity fears by offering programs that synchronize the device with the account verification credentials. In this case, the serial number of the personal computer and the IMEI number of the smartphone are synchronized with the account password, thereby making the two devices the only recognized access points to the account. Anyone can, therefore, not access the account even if he or she has all the verification details and lacks the access points.
According to Pearce (2015), system reliability is of great essence especially when it comes to online transactions and trade. A more reliable system is often characterized by efficient operations and increased time to time access. One reason as to why most online stock trading platforms are unreliable is due to the complexity of their landing points, which requires one to either have some accounting knowledge to navigate through. For example, rather than using simple diction to direct the users to different sections, most landing pages are designed in financial terminologies, often summarized with symbols and clustered data that might make little sense to a newcomer. In some cases, the landing pages often reflect a summary of the stock performance for a given period, a period within which a new investor might not have been in the game hence making little sense to him or her.
Software engineering can thus help overcome unreliability in online stock trading by creating a simplified landing page of trading platforms in such a way that they guide the user on the content of such platforms. Some people have been reported to lose interest in online stock trading since they fail to take off from the landing page. In extreme cases, and for the sake of accommodating unlimited and diverse personalities, software engineers may be prompted to design audio programs that serve as educative narrations for first-time access (Sudweeks, & Romm, 2012). Rather than depending on someone to teach an interested investor, audio programs could offer the best approach as they are both convenient and can be taken at an individual’s preferred pace. Hence, software engineers can help design simpler landing pages that can be comfortably used by even the newest traders.
Although many people applaud computers as a technological breakthrough of the generation, it is worth to note that computers without software engineering are mere functionless electronic devices. Software engineers are responsible for all programs that make computers functional. Similarly, since online stock trading transactions are often executed on computers, software engineering subsequently becomes an indispensable aspect of the whole trade. The reliability and security of online stock trade wholly depend on the ability of software engineers to continuously design and implement computer programs meant to address specific flaws as identified in the current systems.
References
Agarwal, B. B., & Tayal, S. P. (2013). Software engineering, second edition. New Delhi: Firewal Media.
Larson, M. L. (2010). Trade stocks online. New York: Wiley.
Pearce, J. (2013). Open-source lab: How to build your own hardware and reduce research costs.
Sudweeks, F., & Romm, C. T. (2012). Doing Business on the Internet: Opportunities and Pitfalls. London: Springer London.
