Python in the enterprise: Pros and cons
I have been exploring and developing an application in Python for mission critical work in the commercial banking arena.
Banks are way conservative in selecting new applications.
I need real proof of stability and others using.
Have looked at the Python site but now I'm hoping this crowd can tell me more.
So far I don't have a development bank partner which I will need next stage, so I'm gathering proof and pitch info. All help and comments appreciated.
Answer
Banca d'Italia (roughly the Italian equivalent of the Fed, except that, since the introduction of the Euro, all countries using euros as their currency, including of course Italy, have "outsourced" monetary policy to the European Central Bank) uses Python, is very happy with it, and plans to extend its use. The talk I'm pointing to is in Italian, but if you search around for the authors I think you can find similar papers of theirs in English.
Sungard's FrontArena, a widespread "next generation cross-asset trading" system, uses Python (e.g., see here).
This post gives a good summary of Python use in banking (as of a couple years ago) with focus on the City of London.
Considering how banks like to "play them close to their vest" I think it's amazing that there's as much information as this about the use of Python in banking -- if these few cases "leak", just imagine how many must be staying under wraps!-)