Distributed matching engine

A method comprising:

• controlling, by at least one processor of a first server of a system comprising a plurality of servers, wherein the plurality of servers is configured for interconnection by at least one network:
• maintaining a first order book for a first item to be traded;
• receiving a first order for the first item, wherein the first order includes a quantity;
• placing the first order in the first order book, wherein the first server is responsible for controlling execution of contra-orders against the first order;
• communicating the first order over the at least one network by selectively specifying the first order for at least one specified server of the plurality of servers, in which the at least one specified server includes a second server;
• wherein the second server is configured to:
• maintain a second order book for the first item;
• receive the first order communicated by the first server;
• place the first order in the second order book;
• receive a second order for the first item;
• determine the second order is a contra-order to the first order;
• and
• in response to determining the second order is a contra-order to the first order, communicate the second order to the first server;
• receiving the second order from the second server;
• determining whether the first order is available;
• when the first order is determined to be available, executing a trade between the first and second orders;
• removing the first order from the first order book when the second order is for all available quantity of the first order;
• communicating a first confirmation message on the at least one network indicating the first order is traded against;
• wherein the second server is further configured to:
• receive the first confirmation message;
• and
• in response to receiving the first confirmation message, remove the first order from the second order book when the second order is for all available quantity of the first order,
• receive a third order for the first item, wherein the third order includes a quantity;
• place the third order in the second order book, wherein the second server is responsible for controlling execution of contra-orders against the third order;
• and
• communicate the third order on the at least one network;
• receiving the third order communicated by the second server;
• placing the third order in the first order book;
• receiving a fourth order for the first item;
• determining the fourth order is a contra-order to the third order;
• and
• in response to determining the fourth order is a contra-order to the third order, communicating the fourth order to the second server;
• wherein the second server is further configured to:
• receive the fourth order from the first server;
• determine whether the third order is available;
• when the third order is determined to be available, execute a trade between the third and fourth orders;
• remove the third order from the second order book when the fourth order is for all available quantity of the third order;
• and
• communicate a second confirmation message on the at least one network indicating the third order is traded against;
• receiving the second confirmation message from the second server;
• and
• in response to receiving the second confirmation message, removing the third order from the first order book when the fourth order is for all available quantity of the third order.