Summary
Inconsistent SNDS data reporting stems from a complex interplay of factors. Microsoft's internal data processing, filtering systems, and privacy policies impact data visibility. SNDS data is a sample and may not capture all activity. Data delays occur due to processing times. IP address re-allocation can carry over previous senders' reputations, influencing current reporting. User engagement (or lack thereof in reporting spam) skews the data. Minimum daily sending volume thresholds must be met. Discrepancies between SNDS and third-party tools may indicate issues within Microsoft's system. Sending frequency fluctuations directly affect reporting, and inactive IPs show lower volumes. All the above points mean that some data might not be visible in SNDS due to Microsoft's backend processing.
Key findings
- Processing/Filtering: Microsoft's internal processes, filtering, and privacy measures impact data visibility.
- Data Sampling: SNDS provides a sample, not a complete record, of email traffic.
- Minimum Volume: SNDS mandates a minimum daily sending volume for data reporting.
- IP Reputation: Previous senders' reputations influence reporting for re-allocated IPs.
- User Engagement: Recipients not marking spam affects the data reported in SNDS.
- Tool Discrepancies: Differences between SNDS and third-party data suggest issues with Microsoft's reporting.
- Sending Frequency: Variable sending frequency affects SNDS data volume and accuracy.
- Inactive IPs: Inactive IP addresses will result in lower reporting volumes.
- Microsoft backend processing: Some data might not be visible in SNDS due to Microsoft's backend processing.
Key considerations
- Verify Volume: Ensure daily sending volume meets SNDS minimum requirements.
- Monitor Reputation: Use SNDS and third-party tools to track IP reputation and identify discrepancies.
- Track Engagement: Monitor user engagement (spam complaints, etc.) for insights into SNDS data.
- Review IP History: Research the history of re-allocated IP addresses for reputation implications.
- Account for Delays: Be aware that SNDS reporting may have processing delays.
- Privacy Awareness: Acknowledge that privacy measures may influence reported SNDS data.
- Maintain Sending Frequency: Ensure consistent sending frequency for accurate data reporting in SNDS.
- Consider Backend Processing: Recognize that some data might not be visible in SNDS due to Microsoft's backend processing.
What email marketers say
7 marketer opinions
SNDS data reporting inconsistencies can stem from multiple factors. Microsoft's internal data processing and filtering may lead to delayed or missing data. Re-allocation of IP addresses to new senders can carry over the reputation of previous senders, affecting current reporting. Variations in user engagement, specifically whether recipients mark emails as junk or spam, also influence the reported data. Insufficient daily message volumes failing to meet SNDS minimum requirements will result in no reporting. Furthermore, inconsistencies may arise when comparing SNDS data with third-party reputation tools, potentially highlighting discrepancies within Microsoft's system. Fluctuations in sending frequency can directly impact reporting volume.
Key opinions
- Data Processing: Microsoft's internal processes and filtering can cause delays or suppress data in SNDS.
- IP Reputation: Re-allocated IP addresses can inherit the reputation of previous senders, impacting current reporting.
- User Engagement: Recipient behavior (marking as junk/spam) directly influences SNDS data.
- Minimum Volume: Failing to meet SNDS's daily message volume threshold results in no data reporting.
- Tool Discrepancies: Inconsistencies between SNDS and third-party reputation tools may reveal issues within Microsoft's reporting.
- Sending Frequency: Fluctuations in sending volume directly affect the reporting volume and data accuracy.
Key considerations
- Check Volume: Ensure daily sending volume meets SNDS minimum requirements.
- Monitor Reputation: Track IP address reputation using both SNDS and third-party tools for comparison.
- User Engagement: Analyze user engagement metrics (spam complaints, junk markings) to understand potential data skews.
- IP History: Investigate the history of re-allocated IP addresses to understand potential reputation impacts.
- Microsoft Filtering: Understand that Microsoft's internal filtering processes can affect SNDS data visibility.
- Volume Consistency: Maintain a consistent sending frequency to ensure consistent SNDS data reporting.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares that inconsistent reporting volumes in SNDS may be caused by variations in user engagement. If recipients are not marking emails as 'junk' or reporting spam, it affects the data reported in SNDS.
1 Dec 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from email.geeks.chat shares that SNDS data inconsistencies can arise when IP addresses are re-allocated to different senders over time. If a previous sender had a poor reputation, it can affect the reporting for the current sender even if they have good sending practices.
7 Mar 2025 - email.geeks.chat
What the experts say
1 expert opinions
SNDS data reporting inconsistencies can occur because Microsoft's internal spam scoring and filtering systems can affect the visibility of data in SNDS due to backend processing.
Key opinions
- Microsoft Filtering: Microsoft's internal spam scoring and filtering systems can lead to data reporting variations in SNDS.
- Backend Processing: Some data might not be visible in SNDS due to Microsoft's backend processing mechanisms.
Key considerations
- Internal Filters: Be aware that Microsoft's internal filters can impact the accuracy of data reported in SNDS.
- Data Visibility: Understand that some sending activity might not be reflected in SNDS due to backend processing.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that SNDS data reporting variations can occur due to Microsoft's filtering of data based on their internal spam scoring and filtering systems, meaning that some data might not be visible in SNDS due to Microsoft's backend processing.
8 Oct 2022 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
SNDS data reports are subject to delays due to internal processing and aggregation. They represent a sample of overall traffic, meaning all activity isn't captured, and lower send volumes can lead to inconsistencies as senders fall below reporting thresholds. Inactivity on an IP address impacts reporting volume as SNDS tracks IP address activity, reducing the observed volume until sufficient traffic resumes. Microsoft's privacy policies can also filter SNDS data.
Key findings
- Processing Delays: Data reporting delays are a result of processing times and data aggregation.
- Data Sampling: SNDS data is a sample and may not capture all sending activity.
- Reporting Thresholds: Inconsistencies in SNDS volume occur when senders fall below reporting thresholds.
- IP Address Activity: Inactive IP addresses result in lower reporting volumes until sufficient email traffic resumes.
- Privacy Policies: Data may be filtered due to privacy policies.
Key considerations
- Account for Delays: Be aware of potential delays in data reporting within SNDS.
- Representative Data: Recognize that SNDS data represents a sample of email traffic, not comprehensive activity.
- Maintain Volume: Keep sending volumes above reporting thresholds to maintain consistency.
- Monitor IP Activity: Track activity of IP addresses to understand reporting volume fluctuations.
- Acknowledge Privacy: Be aware that privacy policies can affect reported data.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains that SNDS data represents a sample of overall email traffic and may not capture all sending activity. Volume inconsistencies can occur when senders fall below reporting thresholds or if data is filtered due to privacy policies.
6 Dec 2024 - Microsoft
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft highlights that SNDS reports data based on IP addresses and their recent activity. If an IP address has been inactive for a period, reporting volume may be lower until sufficient email traffic is observed.
18 Jun 2023 - Microsoft
How accurate are SNDS colors in reflecting email delivery performance?
How accurate is Microsoft SNDS data for deliverability monitoring?
How accurate is SNDS and Google Postmaster Tools reputation data?
How do I grant someone access to my SNDS account?
How do I resolve SNDS issues with IPs already added to another account?
How long does it take for data to appear in Microsoft SNDS Live after IP is added?
