Out of Tune: NetEase Music Users Left Frustrated After Two-Hour Outage

On August 19, NetEase Music experienced a server failure that left users unable to access the platform for approximately two hours. According to a statement from NetEase Music, the issue was resolved and as a token of apology, users would be able to enjoy "畅听音乐" (carefree music listening) on August 20, with the option to claim a 7-day premium membership.

However, the incident has raised questions about the company's handling of the situation and its priorities. One Weibo user,ensorsimo, pointed out that while NetEase Music was quick to reassure users that no data had been deleted and that the service had not been abandoned, the fact that the outage was only resolved after a two-hour delay was unacceptable. "Two hours is a long time, especially when you consider the number of users who rely on the service," the user wrote.

Meanwhile, another Weibo user, linxin12138, expressed frustration that the compensation offered by NetEase Music was insufficient. "Seven days of premium membership is not enough to make up for the inconvenience caused by the outage," the user wrote. "Why not offer all users a month of free premium membership instead?"

A report from Phoenix Technology, citing a source within NetEase, shed light on the possible cause of the outage. According to the report, the incident may be related to the company's recent server relocation to a new data center in Guizhou. The source noted that the relocation was a complex process that had been fraught with difficulties, including a high risk of major accidents if not executed properly.

Furthermore, the report suggested that the outage may be linked to NetEase's cost-cutting measures, including staff layoffs. "It's no coincidence that so many internet companies have experienced major technical incidents recently," the source said. "When you're trying to cut costs, it's inevitable that you'll compromise on quality."

The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the reliability and accountability of internet companies in China. Weibo user Geren123456, for example, questioned NetEase's decision to prioritize cost-cutting over user experience. "Is saving money really more important than providing a decent service?" the user asked.

Despite the criticism, NetEase Music has maintained that the outage was an isolated incident and that the company is committed to improving its services. In a statement, the company apologized for the inconvenience caused and promised to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

However, for many users, the damage has already been done. As user @ Wang_z_22 put it, "I've been a loyal user of NetEase Music for years, but incidents like this make me wonder if I should switch to a different service."

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in the tech industry. As one Weibo user,hebijiao, pointed out, "When companies prioritize profits over user experience, it's time for users to speak out and demand better."