If you are a Skype user, you have probably been affected by the outages over the last 24 hours. Tony Bates, the chief executive of Skype, has today posted a YouTube video explaining what Skype is currently doing to fix the outages which have affected tens of millions of users.
Skype’s services have now been restored to around 16.5 million people, which accounts for about 80 percent of its customers. Users within the U.S. East Coast and Europe are now fully restored. Watch Tony Bates’s video after the jump.
Understanding the Outage
However, it’s still not clear when the remaining 20 percent of users will be back online, and Skype hasn’t explained exactly what or why the outages have occurred. The company has only mentioned that the issues are due to problems with “supernodes.” Supernodes are crucial components in Skype’s peer-to-peer architecture. They act like phone directories, helping users’ computers locate one another and connect. When a large number of these supernodes went offline, so did Skype.
Supernodes are essentially powerful computers that take on the task of routing calls and data between users. They are vital for maintaining the network’s efficiency and reliability. When these supernodes fail, the entire network can experience significant disruptions. This is what happened in this instance, causing widespread outages and affecting millions of users globally.
Steps Taken to Resolve the Issue
In the YouTube video, Tony Bates reassured users that the Skype team is working around the clock to restore full service. They have already deployed new “mega-supernodes” to replace the failed ones. These mega-supernodes are designed to handle a larger load and provide more stability to the network. This should help prevent similar issues in the future.
Additionally, Skype is implementing more rigorous monitoring and maintenance protocols to ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed before they can cause widespread disruptions. The company is also exploring ways to diversify its network architecture to reduce reliance on supernodes, thereby enhancing overall system resilience.
Despite these efforts, some users are still experiencing issues. The remaining 20 percent of users who are still offline are understandably frustrated. Skype has promised to keep users updated through their official blog and social media channels. They are also offering compensation to affected users in the form of free Skype credits, which can be used for international calls and other premium services.
The outage has sparked a broader conversation about the reliability of online communication services. As more people rely on platforms like Skype for both personal and professional communication, the need for robust and resilient infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with maintaining a global communication network and the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in this space.
Via Venturebeat
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
