An Idea for retiring MT4

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I have an idea which might have been discussed before. I have searched and not found anything.

As we know, while MT5 offers many advanced features over MT4, there is a huge user base that primarily uses MT4 due to their reliance on indicators, EAs, and scripts. It will be impossible (and unfeasible) for these hundreds of thousands of users to convert their tools to MT5, specifically those with only .ex4 files.

What if MT4 (platform, servers, mobile app) was retired and replaced by a standalone MT4 emulator for MT5? The MT4 emulator preserves MT4's interface and allows users to continue using their old indicators, EAs, and scripts. In essence:
  • Users log in to the MT4 emulator using MT5 credentials.
  • The MT4 emulator receives MT5 pricing/data feeds.
  • The MT4 emulator retains basic functionalities like standard MT4-type orders, but processed as MT5 orders.
  • The MT4 emulator receives basic Account / Oder history from MT5.
  • The MT4 emulator will not gain any additional features or functions from MT5.
The emulator would act like an MT4 to MT5 trader copier but with direct (limited) access to MT5 price data, order management, and account history.

Benefits:
  • Streamlines infrastructure maintenance by retiring the backend support for MT4 and focusing solely on MT5's infrastructure.
  • Provides MT4 loyalists the functionality and experience they need while leveraging the robustness of MT5.
  • Newer brokers who are MT5 licensees can offer the MT4 Emulator if they choose to.
  • MT4 emulator users will be aware that they are using a retired product with limited functionality while having full MT5 access if they choose.
This is just an idea, and the technical feasibility and specifics are beyond my expertise. It might be a complete bust of an idea, but it could be worth considering.
 
narco:
I have an idea which might have been discussed before. I have searched and not found anything.

As we know, while MT5 offers many advanced features over MT4, there is a huge user base that primarily uses MT4 due to their reliance on indicators, EAs, and scripts. It will be impossible (and unfeasible) for these hundreds of thousands of users to convert their tools to MT5, specifically those with only .ex4 files.

What if MT4 (platform, servers, mobile app) was retired and replaced by a standalone MT4 emulator for MT5? The MT4 emulator preserves MT4's interface and allows users to continue using their old indicators, EAs, and scripts. In essence:
  • Users log in to the MT4 emulator using MT5 credentials.
  • The MT4 emulator receives MT5 pricing/data feeds.
  • The MT4 emulator retains basic functionalities like standard MT4-type orders, but processed as MT5 orders.
  • The MT4 emulator receives basic Account / Oder history from MT5.
  • The MT4 emulator will not gain any additional features or functions from MT5.
The emulator would act like an MT4 to MT5 trader copier but with direct (limited) access to MT5 price data, order management, and account history.

Benefits:
  • Streamlines infrastructure maintenance by retiring the backend support for MT4 and focusing solely on MT5's infrastructure.
  • Provides MT4 loyalists the functionality and experience they need while leveraging the robustness of MT5.
  • Newer brokers who are MT5 licensees can offer the MT4 Emulator if they choose to.
  • MT4 emulator users will be aware that they are using a retired product with limited functionality while having full MT5 access if they choose.
This is just an idea, and the technical feasibility and specifics are beyond my expertise. It might be a complete bust of an idea, but it could be worth considering.
And then they have to maintain an emulator so still two products ,  so no point
 
Paul Anscombe #:
And then they have to maintain an emulator so still two products ,  so no point

Just 1 unified product, MT5 licencing and MT5 support, so one less product than what we have now.

An MT4 emulator will need some initial work to get off the ground but then it's done. It's a standalone app that doesn't need any enhancements.

It can even be communicated as an end of life, out of support product from the start.

 
narco #:

Just 1 unified product, MT5 licencing and MT5 support, so one less product than what we have now.

An MT4 emulator will need some initial work to get off the ground but then it's done. It's a standalone app that doesn't need any enhancements.

It can even be communicated as an end of life, out of support product from the start.

It will need updating when they update mt5.  It doesn’t help.  
 
Paul Anscombe #:
It will need updating when they update mt5.  It doesn’t help.  

What specifically will need updating?

 
narco:

What if

The upside for MetaQuotes in this scenario is that brokers have to switch to mt5 . 

These are the "grounds" of each side

  • [users] They have paid for MT4 tools , bought and for their development
  • [coders] They will have to turn MT4 tools to MT5 tools to stay competent in the market
  • [coders] There will be massive demand for conversions in the transition
  • [coders] MT5 is harder
  • [Metaquotes] MT5 licenses sold
  • [Metaquotes] Staff and resources freed up 
  • [Metaquotes] The closest thing to MT4 is MT5
  • [Metaquotes] There is no serious competitor on this timeline (that offers trading)
  • [SignalProviders] They will lose history+ranking on the switch .(i think)
  • [Moderators] One section less 0:)
 
Lorentzos Roussos #:

The upside for MetaQuotes in this scenario is that brokers have to switch to mt5 . 

These are the "grounds" of each side

  • [users] They have paid for MT4 tools , bought and for their development
  • [coders] They will have to turn MT4 tools to MT5 tools to stay competent in the market
  • [coders] There will be massive demand for conversions in the transition
  • [coders] MT5 is harder
  • [Metaquotes] MT5 licenses sold
  • [Metaquotes] Staff and resources freed up 
  • [Metaquotes] The closest thing to MT4 is MT5
  • [Metaquotes] There is no serious competitor on this timeline (that offers trading)
  • [SignalProviders] They will lose history+ranking on the switch .(i think)
  • [Moderators] One section less 0:)

There could be a middle ground with the idea of an MT4 emulator. Retire MT4 support, licencing and infrastructure but have a 'workaround' option for those that absolutely need their EX4/MQ4 files.

Microsoft had 'Compatibility Mode' back in the old days of Windows (and still do now). They never guaranteed older apps would work, but it was something and most users could get older apps working.

Metquotes could try a similar approach.

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