Summary
SNDS downtime and data issues are multifaceted, arising from technical problems, Microsoft's internal operations, and configuration errors. Downtime can be caused by API timeout issues, scheduled maintenance, server outages, and prioritizing internal traffic. Data inconsistencies and delays are attributed to processing lags, high data volumes, different reporting methodologies between platforms, and potential data sampling. Feedback loop configuration, IP registration, browser compatibility, and network issues also play a role. Additionally, low sending volumes can restrict access. Temporary glitches can result in reporting errors.
Key findings
- API Timeout: Timeout issues with the SNDS API can cause missing data, resolvable by increasing the timeout duration.
- Maintenance & Outages: Scheduled maintenance and unexpected server outages on Microsoft's side lead to downtime.
- Processing Delays: Delays stem from processing lags, high data volumes, and Microsoft prioritizing internal traffic.
- Reporting Discrepancies: Inconsistencies arise due to differing reporting methodologies between platforms and data sampling.
- Configuration Matters: Data accuracy hinges on properly configured feedback loops and accurate IP registration.
- Access Limitations: Low sending volumes can restrict SNDS access, preventing data from displaying.
- Glitches Happen: Temporary technical glitches can cause SNDS reporting errors.
Key considerations
- Cross-Reference Data: Cross-reference SNDS data with internal data to validate inconsistencies from data processing and reporting.
- Service Health: Monitor Microsoft's service health dashboard for updates on outages and scheduled maintenance.
- Feedback Loop Setup: Ensure proper setup and functionality of feedback loops for accurate data and reporting.
- Sending Volume: Understand limitations and potential lack of access if sending volume is too low.
- Troubleshooting: Check browser compatibility, network, and credentials when encountering access problems.
- Consider Internal Traffic: Be aware that data might be delayed because of Microsoft's internal operations.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
SNDS downtime and data issues can arise from a multitude of reasons. API timeout issues, scheduled maintenance, server outages on Microsoft's side, and high server loads are common causes of downtime. Data inconsistencies and delays are often attributed to processing and reporting lags from Microsoft, high data volumes, or discrepancies in reporting methodologies. Properly configured feedback loops are crucial for accurate data interpretation. Access limitations may also occur if sending volumes are too low.
Key opinions
- API Issues: Timeout issues with the SNDS API can lead to missing data, resolved by increasing timeout duration.
- Maintenance & Outages: Scheduled maintenance and unexpected server outages on Microsoft's end cause downtime.
- Processing Delays: Data delays are often due to processing and reporting lags from Microsoft, particularly during peak sending times.
- Volume Impact: High data volumes processed by Microsoft can slow down data updates, affecting high-volume senders more.
- Misinterpretation: Misinterpreted data and incorrectly configured feedback loops can cause perceived data issues.
- Low Volume Issues: If your sending volume is too low, SNDS will refuse access or show no data.
Key considerations
- Cross-reference Data: Cross-reference SNDS data with your own data to identify true issues due to potential inconsistencies.
- Monitor Service Health: Keep an eye on Microsoft's service health dashboard for updates on potential outages.
- Configure Feedback Loops: Ensure feedback loops are correctly configured for accurate data interpretation and reporting.
- Check API Timeouts: Verify and adjust API timeout settings to prevent data loss due to slow API responses.
- Assess Sending Volume: Understand that low sending volumes may limit access to or display of data within SNDS.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that they had missing data for several days due to a timeout issue with the SNDS API. Increasing the timeout to 30 seconds resolved the problem.
24 Apr 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailGeek Forum suggests that SNDS data being updated slowly can be due to the volume of data Microsoft processes. High-volume senders might experience longer delays.
11 Jun 2023 - EmailGeek Forum
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
SNDS downtime and data issues are potentially caused by Microsoft's internal operations. Data inconsistencies may stem from sampling or averaging techniques in their data processing. Data delays could be due to Microsoft prioritizing internal traffic, throttling external access to SNDS, especially during peak load times.
Key opinions
- Data Processing: SNDS data inconsistencies may arise from Microsoft's sampling or averaging techniques.
- Traffic Prioritization: SNDS data delays may result from Microsoft prioritizing internal traffic over external access during peak load times.
Key considerations
- Internal Operations: Recognize that SNDS data is influenced by Microsoft's internal data processing procedures.
- Potential Throttling: Be aware that external access to SNDS could be throttled to optimize performance for other Microsoft services.
- Data Accuracy: Always cross-reference SNDS data with your own data to validate accuracy due to potential sampling or processing discrepancies.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource notes that SNDS data inconsistencies can arise from Microsoft's internal data processing procedures, suggesting discrepancies may be due to sampling or averaging techniques applied on their end. It is difficult to know exactly how they get their data.
3 Dec 2021 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise suggests that SNDS data delays could be caused by Microsoft prioritizing internal traffic or other services during peak load times. External access to SNDS may be throttled to maintain performance for other systems.
4 May 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
SNDS downtime and data issues are caused by a range of technical and configuration factors. Data accuracy relies heavily on quality feedback loop reports and thorough IP address registration. Access problems can stem from browser compatibility, network issues, or incorrect credentials. Processing delays occur due to data aggregation and validation processes. Data discrepancies may arise from different reporting methodologies between platforms, like SparkPost and Microsoft, and even due to sampling. Temporary SNDS reporting errors can also be caused by short-term technical glitches.
Key findings
- Feedback Loops & Registration: SNDS data accuracy depends on quality feedback loop reports and complete IP address registration.
- Access Issues: Access problems may be due to browser compatibility, network connectivity, or incorrect credentials.
- Processing Delays: Processing delays are caused by data aggregation and validation processes.
- Reporting Discrepancies: Data discrepancies can occur due to differing reporting methodologies between platforms (e.g., SparkPost vs. Microsoft) and data sampling.
- Temporary Glitches: Temporary SNDS reporting errors can be caused by short-term technical glitches.
Key considerations
- Verify Setup: Ensure that feedback loops and IP address registration are correctly set up to maintain data accuracy.
- Troubleshoot Access: Troubleshoot access problems by checking browser compatibility, network connectivity, and credential entry.
- Account for Delays: Understand that data processing and validation take time, so SNDS data isn't always instantaneous.
- Be Wary of Discrepancies: Be aware of potential reporting discrepancies between different email platforms and SNDS.
- Wait for Resolution: Allow time for temporary glitches to resolve before taking drastic action.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft clarifies that SNDS processing delays may occur because data is aggregated from various sources and undergoes validation. It is not always instantaneous.
24 Jan 2022 - Microsoft
Technical article
Documentation from Litmus warns that temporary glitches can lead to temporary SNDS reporting errors. This means if things look strange, give it some time before worrying.
13 Mar 2023 - Litmus
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