A data distribution system and method are described herein to improve the
distribution of market information to subscribing client devices. Market
information updates are provided to subscribing devices over a
communication link every time a change in the market occurs. If a
bandwidth limitation is reached on the communication link, the preferred
embodiments switch to a second mode of transmission such that the market
information updates are provided only at predetermined intervals. The
preferred embodiment monitors the bandwidth consumption to determine what
mode of transmission to apply, and in response, it can dynamically change
between modes of transmission. By dynamically adjusting the mode of
transmission to comport with the current network bandwidth, the preferred
embodiments may provide a network friendly, data intensive, and fast
response market information feed.