Tech

Size matters

They used to call it the Slashdot Effect: when a link from one website to another drives so much traffic to the second site that it is unable to cope with demand. The phrase was coined years ago; the phenomenon is well understood.

Which makes it all the more disappointing that we're still seeing compelling new websites unable to keep up with the users they attract. Take the UK Most Wanted site as an example. Launched this morning it crumpled under the load within minutes. Was it really a surprise that so many people wanted to gawp at mug-shots?

Websites are not like TV channels. Each time someone visits a site, they use a small amount of a finite resource. Those who build sites ought to know this. Those who commission them need to know this. If your server won't be able to cope with demand, you need to extend the capabilities of your server or manage down the demand. If you don't, that big launch will be remembered for only one thing: your mistake.