BlackBerry’s worldwide blackout

Details

Published on Thursday, 13 October 2011 14:50

Written by Alex Nagel

Image: flickr.com/arracyexceptionOn Monday 10 October, the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) experienced technical difficulties which affected users on on almost every continent. The server allegedly crashed at 11am on Monday morning resulting in millions of people unable to access BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and internet services.

According to the Daily News, Research In Motion (RIM) has failed to provide any explanation as to why the server remains inaccessible. Rumour has it that RIM’s Slough database in England was backlogged due to overloading of the server.

Prior to service being restored, the blackout initially affected Europe, Asia and Africa, before spreading to South America on day 2 and finally North America on day 3.

During the early morning on Thursday 13 October, the BIS was up and running after it was expected to be off for up to twelve days. Some BlackBerry users, however, are still experiencing difficulties with their browser and instant messaging.

This loophole in RIM’s system now provides BlackBerry’s biggest rival, Apple Inc., with an opportunity to seize some of BlackBerry’s consumers, as these two big-brand corporations have been competing over smartphone sales for years.