Demand Stressed iTunes this X'Mas

Techtree News Staff, Dec 28, 2006 1719 hrs IST

Apple Computer's iTunes music store was reportedly overwhelmed, with around 413 percent more hits on Christmas day as compared to last year.

E-Mail Print

Apple Computer's iTunes music store was reportedly overwhelmed, with around 413 percent more hits on Christmas day as compared to last year.

With online shoppers flooding the iTunes store with new iPod and iTunes gift cards throughout X'Mas day, the joy soon turned to frustration, as iTunes started relaying error messages worded, "We're sorry, we cannot complete your request - Please try again later". The store also slowed down by a good 20 minutes or more for song downloads.

This in turn led to prompt postings on the technical forum, complaining about inaccessibility of the site and general inability to download songs and videos.

According to analysts, the problem occurred because too many people with holiday iPods and iTunes gift cards were trying to access the site all at one time.

What added to the problem was that X'Mas is a holiday for everyone. Apple's stores and call centres remained closed, which resulted in a complete lack of customer services. Customers were left no option but resort to the online channel.

Of course, some analysts tried to paint a rosy picture. Michael Gartenberg, Vice president and Research Director of Jupiter Research, said the chaos only goes to show the tremendous success of the iPod. He added that no matter how well one plans on the server side of the equation, there are always times when one gets caught short.

The Hitwise Retail Index mentioned that the Apple store was the fourth most visited Web site on Christmas day, which means that for the third holiday season in a row, iPod maintained its status as the must-have Christmas gift.

All said and done, right now, it's best if those with new iPods stick with their private collection CDs and wait for a few days to download songs from iTunes...

USER COMMENTS

The iPod is undoubtedly the most overrated sliver of technology ever foisted on the American consumer.

by Raman, Fort Worth, on Dec 28, 2006 10:14 PM, Report abuse Reply

don't buy and it can't be foisted on you

by Franco, Dallas, on Dec 29, 2006 03:07 AM, Report abuse

Nothing is ever forced on the american consumer that we do not willingly except. When you come out with something better let me know and I will purchase it.

by Randall, Los Angeles, on Dec 29, 2006 03:17 AM, Report abuse

I agree that the ipod is overrated. It is nothing but a glorified walkman, but "to each his own," right? I still say that there is something to be said about just popping in a cd and listening to the whole album. I think if you really like an artist you should just buy the cd.

by anonymous, minneapolis, on Dec 30, 2006 12:26 AM, Report abuse

I listen to whole albums on my iPod - so, I don't think you really know what you're talking about.

by Anonymous, Bradenton, on Dec 30, 2006 01:30 AM, Report abuse

You must not have one...

by Mark, Torrance, on Dec 31, 2006 07:46 AM, Report abuse

Even worse... I woke up today to find that I have been erroneously charged for a bunch of items off itunes. So, not only is their network crumpling under the heavy use, it is misscharging people in the system. No my account info was not compromised, I checked my purchase history and the items I have been charged for are not there! Oh, and to add to the matter, the ipod locked up my computer so many times it crashed my harddrive! I hate Apple!!!!

by Todd, Modesto, on Dec 29, 2006 10:06 PM, Report abuse Reply

If things you purchased did not download, you may need to just click "Check for purchases" from one of the drop-down menus. When the iTunes Store can't fully download a file, you can retreive it later through this method. Hope this helps!

by Whitney, Jacksonville, on Dec 31, 2006 07:26 AM, Report abuse

Buy a Mac moron, talking about Apple when you haven't tried a Mac, typical PC user, all bad mouth with no proof to back it up.

by Mark, Torrance, on Dec 31, 2006 07:45 AM, Report abuse

apple problem or akamai problem here???

by ajs, nj, on Dec 30, 2006 08:53 PM, Report abuse Reply

That is constructive & professional Journalism! Where did this guy pull up his facts ... did he go to the appl.com? He would have learned that some stores are open 24/365 (hmmm maybe they were closed & this is a leap year) like the 1 on 5th Avenue in NYC where I got a new iPod for my girlfriend for Christmas. Did he call Apple on that day? ... My girlfriend needed help setting up her iPod 4 Christmas & she got an answering machine & by answering machine I mean a real live person who solved her problem. On that note since this guy pulled off a pulitzer worthy article from false facts instead of doing research I end this with a question for his boss. When you fire him, could I have his job? I could do better in my off time let alone getting paid & I am not a journalist.

by Anonymous, New York, on Dec 30, 2006 06:23 AM, Report abuse Reply

What if i am not downloading and i am trying to drag songs from my limewire to my new ipod does that also effect what is happening. On X-mas day i put 200 songs on my ipod and yesterday i went to put 3 more on and it wont drag anymore.

by Sara, logansport, on Dec 28, 2006 06:56 PM, Report abuse Reply

No. It wouldn't effect that.

by Leevis, Mobile, on Dec 28, 2006 07:45 PM, Report abuse

Ummmm....ok logansport...if you seriously asked that question...im sorry to say, but you shouldn't be allowed next to a computer

by Sporty Logan, NYC, on Dec 28, 2006 08:29 PM, Report abuse

Sarah, Your barking up the wrong tree ... given the misinformation that was stated in that article it's isn't wise to ask them for help. Call Apple, yoou know the people who actually know what they are talking about.

by Anonymous, New York, on Dec 30, 2006 06:06 AM, Report abuse

After suffering a very slo computer on Christmas, I would have appreciated an alert as to the cause.

by Anonymous, Decatur, IL 62522, on Dec 30, 2006 03:49 AM, Report abuse Reply

Uhhh, try checking your facts first, guys. I know, its something unheard of in the journalism industry. Apple was open on christmas day. I know. I was working there at the time.

by anonymous, Mine, on Dec 29, 2006 08:53 AM, Report abuse Reply

What is amazing is that it took the news industry over 3 days to figure this out and report it.

by Greg, Sacramento, on Dec 29, 2006 03:37 AM, Report abuse Reply