The Vienna Stock Exchange took the decision to introduce a Specialist system as of 1 April 1999. The Specialist system was designed in part as a supplement to the Market Maker system by introducing an additional broker function with the aim of increasing liquidity in the market. The task of the Specialists is to place firm, competitive buy and sell quotes into the system along with the Market Makers and, with the help of additional measures, to enhance market liquidity, thereby supporting the market making and marketing of securities and products.