Blackberry Jam

Steve · Oct 10, 2011, 16:40:53

Doesn't sound like a good day to have a Blackberry.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15243892

Rik · Oct 10, 2011, 16:44:49

The more dependent we become on technology, the more vulnerable we become. I always keep a carrier pigeon to hand.

pctech · Oct 10, 2011, 16:50:05

That seems to be RIM's Achilles' Heel, they will not allow operators to run their own servers so it's all dependent on a few data centres.

Rik · Oct 10, 2011, 16:54:06

Though all that does is mean it affects all networks rather than a single one, Mitch. I think, for me, the big issue is that these systems are built with no redundancy, if something fails, there's no failover provided. Even BT manage a degree of protection in this respect - though only with connections to their network, not within the network itself.

Simon · Oct 10, 2011, 16:56:15

Guess there won't be any rioting or looting tonight then.

Rik · Oct 10, 2011, 17:02:10

Steve · Oct 10, 2011, 17:05:55

Ray · Oct 10, 2011, 17:07:10

pctech · Oct 10, 2011, 17:08:15

Quote from: Rik on Oct 10, 2011, 16:54:06
Though all that does is mean it affects all networks rather than a single one, Mitch. I think, for me, the big issue is that these systems are built with no redundancy, if something fails, there's no failover provided. Even BT manage a degree of protection in this respect - though only with connections to their network, not within the network itself.

My point was that if each network ran its own instance of the Blackberry Internet Services it would contain the fault somewhat and not reflect so badly on RIM.

As it stands the traffic is handed off onto RIM's own backbone for transport to the DCs, I gather Mike Lazardis' (the guy that invented it) argument for this is that it means the system remains secure because of course noone can fiddle with the code.

Even the Blackberry Enterprise Servers route traffic via RIM's network and DCs I believe.

pctech · Oct 10, 2011, 17:09:02

Quote from: Simon on Oct 10, 2011, 16:56:15
Guess there won't be any rioting or looting tonight then.

The cops can rest easy.

Glenn · Oct 11, 2011, 17:09:34

It's gone down again today apparently http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15243892

Rik · Oct 11, 2011, 17:41:56

You just can't get the staff...

Simon · Oct 11, 2011, 21:15:52

They're having a two day silence in memory of Steve Jobs.

Rik · Oct 12, 2011, 10:21:10

.Griff. · Oct 13, 2011, 12:23:36

It's happened before!

http://youtu.be/kAG39jKi0lI

Rik · Oct 13, 2011, 12:44:30

Simon · Oct 14, 2011, 19:02:26

Classic!

Ronnie Barker is much missed.

pctech · Oct 15, 2011, 18:03:58

Looks like Mike Lazaridis had to eat some big pieces of humble pie http://uk.blackberry.com/serviceupdate/

pctech · Oct 15, 2011, 18:04:43

They are now talking about building regional DCs.

Rik · Oct 15, 2011, 18:06:48

Some people just can't read an auto-cue without being obvious...

pctech · Oct 15, 2011, 18:07:59

Indeed, whenever I've seen him interviewed before he's been very arrogant.

Always good to see someone taken down a few pegs.

Rik · Oct 15, 2011, 18:09:22

Pegs? This week's been the whole ladder, surely?

pctech · Oct 15, 2011, 18:14:38

His original design (and he invented the Blackberry) obviously had some serious architecture flaws but he would not admit to these.

Rik · Oct 15, 2011, 18:22:03

Steve Jobs never admitted to much either, nor did Bill Gates for that matter.

pctech · Oct 15, 2011, 18:32:08

Indeed but they all had the good sense to decentralise their infrastructure whereas RIM never has.

Example Apple and Microosft use CDNs to distribute the load and iCloud is currently partly powered by AWS and MS Azure.

Although RIM's website is load balanced on Akamai if you have to log into Internet Services via the web its hosted directly by RIM and branded with the operator's logos.

Quite why they don't put servers in the mobile operator's data centres is beyond me, security via obscurity?

They did once have the nickname Lawsuits-In-Motion because they spent more time suing other companies than releasing products.

The devices are very well designed and made and I may well end up getting another myself but the infrastructure appears less so.