Skype is widely utilized by individuals for online communication. With a Skype account, users can make voice calls to each other using their computer microphones. Additionally, calls from regular landline phones can be received and managed through a Skype account. Due to lower call charges as compared to traditional calls, and free calls between Skype users, it has gained immense popularity. However, in 2007, on August 16th and 17th, Skype experienced a system crash resulting in its shutdown. This article aims to delve into the causes behind the Skype shutdown.
A factor contributing to the shutdown of Skype was a security update on the Microsoft Windows operating system. Microsoft Windows users regularly receive security updates aimed at safeguarding their computers from the latest online threats.
One of the necessary steps for a security update on the Windows OS is to restart the computer, allowing the new updates to be installed and operational. According to Skype reports, a high volume of traffic was observed, with a large number of users rebooting their computers and attempting to access Skype simultaneously. This played a crucial role in understanding the cause of the Skype shutdown.
Another factor leading to the Skype shutdown was an error in the software code of the program. The error caused Skype to shut down in the event of excessive activity. The origin of the error is unclear, but once discovered, efforts were undertaken to rectify it to prevent future shutdowns.
The Skype Company referred to the error leading to the shutdown as a “deficiency in an algorithm within the Skype networking software.” This algorithm governs the interaction between the Skype network and the client used by individual Skype users for connection. It was reportedly the first time such an error had occurred in the system. Some argued that the company was not equipped to handle this type of error.
Multiple other factors played a role in the shutdown of Skype. One significant issue is the increasing usage of Skype, with more people relying on it now more than ever before. This has put a strain on Skype’s available bandwidth. It is speculated that the high demand for Skype’s services may have led to the system shutdown.
What is the current popularity of Skype? In 2006, there were approximately 100 million Skype accounts globally. By July 2007, the number had risen to over 220 million users worldwide. With an average of 9 million simultaneous users at any given time, the level of bandwidth usage and activity among all Skype accounts can result in overloading the Skype program.
