Summary
SNDS outages are a recurring issue, frequently linked to Microsoft maintenance, updates, or technical problems. These outages can cause temporary data unavailability or delays. While some users observe a correlation between SNDS downtime and fluctuations in Outlook inboxing, it's generally understood that SNDS data is an indicator, not a direct cause of inboxing problems. Inbox placement is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including sender reputation, email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), content quality, user engagement, spam complaints, and traffic volume. Industry experts recommend monitoring Microsoft support channels during outages, checking with peers to verify widespread issues, proactively monitoring deliverability metrics beyond SNDS, and ensuring proper email authentication implementation.
Key findings
- Recurring Outages: SNDS experiences periodic outages, often due to maintenance, updates, or technical issues at Microsoft.
- Data Delays: Delays in SNDS data reporting can occur due to processing times and system load.
- Limited Causal Link: While a correlation may exist, SNDS data isn't a direct cause of inboxing problems; it's a signal.
- Multifactorial Inboxing: Outlook inboxing rates are influenced by sender reputation, authentication, content, engagement, and other factors.
- Authentication Essential: Correctly implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for sender verification and improved deliverability.
Key considerations
- Monitor Status: Monitor Microsoft support channels and community forums for SNDS status updates during reported outages.
- Verify Broad Impact: Check with other senders in the industry to confirm whether they are experiencing similar issues to isolate if the problem is unique to your setup.
- Proactive Monitoring: Establish proactive monitoring of deliverability metrics beyond SNDS, including bounce rates, complaint rates, and blocklist status.
- Authentication Audit: Regularly audit SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations to ensure proper implementation and prevent authentication-related deliverability issues.
- Address underlying issues: If inbox placement has dropped review reputation, content and engagement metrics to look for underlying issues.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
SNDS outages are a recurring issue often attributed to Microsoft maintenance, updates, or technical problems. While SNDS downtime can coincide with fluctuations in Outlook inboxing rates, a direct causal relationship isn't always clear. Many factors impact inbox placement, including sender reputation, email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), content quality, user engagement, email volume, and spam complaints. Verifying industry-wide impact and monitoring Microsoft support channels are recommended during outages.
Key opinions
- SNDS Downtime: SNDS experiences periodic outages, potentially due to maintenance or technical problems at Microsoft.
- Inboxing Impact: While SNDS downtime may coincide with inboxing issues, the link isn't always direct. Other factors are more likely the root cause for inboxing issues.
- Multiple Factors: Outlook inboxing rates are affected by various elements, including sender reputation, email authentication, content quality, and user engagement.
- Authentication Importance: Properly implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for verifying sender identity and improving deliverability.
Key considerations
- Check Status: Monitor Microsoft support channels for updates on SNDS status during reported outages.
- Verify Issue: Check with others in the industry to confirm whether they are also experiencing SNDS downtime and inboxing issues to isolate the problem.
- Monitor Deliverability: When SNDS is down monitor deliverability metrics through bounce rates, complaint rates, and block lists.
- Review Reputation: Evaluate sender reputation and email authentication to identify and address potential underlying issues impacting inbox placement.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow states that email authentication is a critical part of ensuring deliverability. Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC correctly to verify your sending identity.
6 Oct 2024 - StackOverflow
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks states that SNDS is back today, then later states today I can't see SNDS data again!
30 Jun 2022 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
SNDS outages are frequently caused by Microsoft system maintenance or upgrades, typically temporary but potentially lasting several days. Delays in SNDS data can impact real-time analysis and decision-making. SNDS data is a signal, not a direct cause of inboxing issues; while monitoring SNDS provides valuable insights, manipulating its metrics won't inherently improve inbox placement.
Key opinions
- Maintenance Outages: SNDS downtime often stems from scheduled maintenance or upgrades performed by Microsoft.
- Data Delays: Data delays within SNDS can hinder the ability to make timely adjustments based on the information.
- Signal, Not Cause: SNDS metrics reflect sending practices, but directly altering them won't guarantee better inboxing. SNDS provides insight not direct control.
Key considerations
- Expect Downtime: Be prepared for occasional SNDS outages due to maintenance, and factor that into monitoring timelines.
- Data Lag: Acknowledge the potential for delays in SNDS data, and avoid making immediate decisions based on potentially outdated information.
- Holistic View: Use SNDS data as one component of a broader deliverability monitoring strategy, rather than relying on it as the sole indicator of inboxing health.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that SNDS outages are often due to Microsoft performing maintenance or upgrades on their systems. These outages are usually temporary, but can sometimes last for several days.
14 Aug 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise responds that SNDS data is a signal, not a cause. You can’t change your SNDS metrics and cause better inboxing. But if you aren’t watching SNDS you are missing some crucial information.
9 Aug 2022 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
SNDS data reporting may experience delays due to processing times and system load, typically resolving within 24-48 hours. Monitoring patterns in SNDS data, like increased complaints or spam trap hits, can reveal impacts on inbox placement. Comprehensive deliverability monitoring involves tracking bounce rates, complaint rates, and blocklist status. Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email authentication is a best practice to improve inbox placement chances.
Key findings
- SNDS Data Delays: Processing times and system load can cause delays in SNDS data availability.
- SNDS Pattern Analysis: Analyzing patterns in SNDS data (complaints, spam traps) can indicate deliverability impacts.
- Holistic Monitoring: Deliverability monitoring should include bounce rates, complaint rates, and blocklist status in addition to SNDS.
- Authentication Importance: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is recommended for improved inbox placement.
Key considerations
- Account for Data Lag: Be aware of potential delays in SNDS data when making decisions.
- Proactive Monitoring: Establish proactive monitoring of bounce rates, complaints, and blocklists.
- Implement Authentication: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured for your sending domains.
Technical article
Documentation from SparkPost shares general information about monitoring deliverability through bounce rates, complaint rates, and block lists to see overall impact to deliverability.
17 Mar 2023 - SparkPost
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft details on how to look for patterns of increased complaints, traffic volume, and spam trap hits on SNDS which might reveal impacts on inbox placement.
21 Jan 2022 - Microsoft
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