Library to read and write Metastock security files

I need a library (a DLL or an ActiveX) to read and write Metastock security in the new metastock standard (65,500 price records per security, 2000 symbols/directory). It must handle the "Xmaster" files. The library will be used to update a Metastock archive adding new security records and updating the existing ones. FUNCTIONAL REQUISITES: 1. open and close a directory containing securities (showing errors in case of non valid directory or already locked directory) using the Metastock locking mechanism to prevent data corruption 2. determine if a security is contained in a certain directory 3. determine if a certain date is already present in a certain security 4. update a security. Given the data to update, the library should update the data (if it already exists) or add a new record (reordering the records if necessary so that the records always stay ordered) 5. the library must seamlessly update both daily and intraday data (ex. 1, 5, 30 or 60 minutes per bar) 6. if some securities are present in more than one folder into Metastock archive (with the same symbol), all folders that contain it must be updated PERFORMANCE REQUISITES: Performance is a very critical aspect for me as I have to update a large amount of data. I need the library to be fast in updating data (should be at least comparable to the Metastock Downloader). 1. I'll provide two example update files (in CVS format) and a Metastock archive to test performances with both daily and intraday data. daily update: roughly 1m30s intraday update: roughly 30s 2. if the data to update is ordered by ticker and there are more records per ticker the security should be open just once before updating all the records and the update time should be comparable to the update time of only one record (as in Metastock Downloader) ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) A sample application written in Visual Basic 6 demonstrating how the library works 3) Library API documentation (with VB and C syntax) 4) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows? (depending on the nature? of the deliverables): a)? For web sites or? other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software? installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform The library has to work on all Windows operating systems, including Windows 98, Windows XP (SP1 and SP2) and Windows 2000 SP3 and SP4.