Why did Amazon Photos upload speed decrease by 60%?

Introduction

Amazon Photos' upload speed decrease of 60% is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and a thorough root cause analysis. This significant performance degradation could severely impact user experience, potentially leading to customer churn and damaging Amazon's reputation in the cloud storage market. I'll approach this problem systematically, examining both technical and non-technical factors that could contribute to this drastic slowdown.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking this might be a recent change. When exactly did you first notice this 60% decrease in upload speed?

Why it matters: Pinpointing the timeframe helps narrow down potential causes and correlate with recent changes or events. Expected answer: Within the last week or month. Impact on approach: A sudden change suggests a specific trigger, while a gradual decline might indicate a systemic issue.

• Considering user segments, I'm wondering if this affects all users equally. Have you noticed any patterns in terms of user demographics, device types, or geographical locations that are more affected?

Why it matters: Identifying patterns helps focus our investigation and may reveal underlying infrastructure or regional issues. Expected answer: The issue is more prevalent in certain regions or on specific device types. Impact on approach: If localized, we'd focus on regional infrastructure; if device-specific, we'd investigate compatibility issues.

• Thinking about recent changes, has there been any significant update to the Amazon Photos app or backend systems in the timeframe preceding this issue?

Why it matters: Recent changes are often the culprit in performance issues. Expected answer: A recent app update or backend deployment. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd prioritize investigating the recent changes and potentially consider a rollback.

• Considering external factors, have there been any changes in network conditions or ISP policies that could affect upload speeds?

Why it matters: External factors can significantly impact upload speeds and are often overlooked. Expected answer: No significant changes reported by major ISPs. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd need to collaborate with ISPs or adjust our system to accommodate new network conditions.

• Regarding measurement accuracy, can you confirm that the method for measuring upload speed has remained consistent and that the monitoring systems are functioning correctly?

Why it matters: Ensures we're dealing with a real issue and not a measurement error. Expected answer: Confirmation of consistent measurement methods and properly functioning monitoring systems. Impact on approach: If inconsistencies are found, we'd need to first address the measurement issue before diving into performance problems.