NEWS
Ookla captures outages from Microsoft 365 , Facebook , Telkom , MTN , Vodacom in Africa
Ookla has released its latest analysis on the largest Internet outages , during the first nine months of 2024 . The report , based on Downdetector , aims to analyse the largest challenges associated with service disruptions , as dependence on digital services increases .
Downdetector by Ookla is the world ’ s most popular platform for online service status information . By leveraging over 25 million monthly reports from individual users , realtime analysis , and verification of outage reports , Downdetector Explorer helps ISPs , mobile network operators , technology companies , banks , and other organisations understand the size and scale of incidents – and rapidly act to resolve issues that matter most to their customers .
“ Our Downdetector platform offers real-time visibility into service disruptions , helping users and businesses stay informed and respond effectively ,” said Hamdy Farid , SVP of Product at Ookla .
“ In such scenarios , early detection , problem isolation , and user communication becomes critical for local telecom operators and service providers . Leveraging Downdetector Explorer , operators can understand the size and scale of incidents and rapidly act to resolve issues that matter most to consumers ,” said Farid .
Key findings from the report include :
• Social media platforms like Facebook , Instagram , and WhatsApp were most impacted , affecting millions of users .
• Furthermore , Internet Service Providers , ISPs and gaming services were also significantly impacted , underscoring both the complexity of the Internet itself , and the needs of network-reliant services on this complex ecosystem .
• Though the outages were worldwide , key regions like the Asia-Pacific , Europe , Latin America , the Middle East , Africa , and the United States experienced substantial service disruptions .
On a global scale , Facebook ’ s outage on March 5 was the largest , with over 11.1 million users across the world reporting issues . Facebook and Instagram outages impacted the Asia-Pacific region the most , followed by widespread disruptions to Microsoft 365 and local services like PayPay and Jio .
Hamdy Farid
Mediclinic Baby App wins Best Educational Solution at FNB App of the Year Awards
The Mediclinic Baby App , which supports expectant mothers through pregnancy and beyond , has won the Best Educational Solution at the 2024 FNB App of the Year Awards .
In an environment where medical advice , both reliable and questionable , can be overwhelming , the Mediclinic Baby app has been designed to support new and expectant mothers , offering valuable tools such as pregnancy milestone tracking , mood journaling , an ovulation calculator and a tool for capturing cherished moments . By blending convenience with medically approved resources and expert advice , the app makes navigating the journey of motherhood simpler and more reassuring .
“ Winning the award for Best Educational App for the Mediclinic Baby App underscores the power of collaboration and innovation . It is a testament to our partnership ’ s strength and dedication to creating meaningful digital solutions . At Swipe , this recognition motivates us to continue driving impactful digital transformation and fostering visionary collaborations like the one we share with Mediclinic ,” says Deon Heunis , Managing Director of specialist software development agency , Swipe iX , who developed the app for Mediclinic .
This year ’ s App of the Year Awards for Best Educational Solution was sponsored by 4IRI , the Fourth Industrial Revolution Incubation established in 2018 , which fosters an environment conducive to talent development and entrepreneurship . 4IRI generates opportunities for startups and SMEs , propelling economic growth across priority sectors driven by technological innovations .
The organisation offers SMEs a dedicated growth investment fund and advanced skill development programs . By linking innovation with industry , 4IRI aims to create a sustainable and inclusive future bolstered by technology .
The FNB App of the Year Awards 2024 continues to spotlight transformative digital solutions that make a meaningful impact across various sectors . It has proven to be a launchpad for past winners , some of whom have successfully raised funds and scaled their apps to reach wider audiences .
14 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com