Datek Claims Mac OS "Sub-Par," Discontinues Software Support

Observer Stuart E. Pohost has written to inform us that those Mac users that use Datek Online as their stock trading broker are in for a big disappointment. Late last week Datek upgraded their "Streamer" software, their Java-based real-time stock ticker. Mr. Pohost was alarmed to find that the new version did not work on any of his Macs, so he contacted Datek. Below is the response from Datek Customer Support:

Thank you for choosing Datek Online.

We recently implemented several enhancements to our Streamer java applet. These enhancements include improvements in functionality and display, as well as a change to the login process to increase security for our customers. Unfortunately, current software available for the Macintosh operating system does not support many of the advanced security features that are now part of Streamer. We recognize that many Datek Online customers use Mac OS computers and apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause.

For the time being, Datek Online is unable to support Streamer on the Macintosh operating system. Until Macintosh can develop software up to par with us, streamer will not be available. (Emphasis added)

If you have any questions, e-mail us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at [email protected] or call Customer Support, weekdays 8 AM - midnight and weekends 9 AM - 7 PM Eastern Standard Time at 1-800-U2DATEK. Please call 1-201-761-7500 if you are calling from outside of the United States. You can also view the status of any cases regarding your account by choosing the @nswerbox link under the Account Services pull-down menu.

Sincerely,

Stephen Deutsch
Customer Support
Datek Online Brokerage Services LLC
Member NASD/SIPC

Based on the above response from Datek, it seems as though this decision is indefinite. Datek is leaving it up to Apple to offer support in a forthcoming OS revision for the undisclosed "advanced features" found in the new Datek Streamer.

You can find more information about Datek Online at their Web site.