Last week, the AuctionServices.com Team responded to a variety of support requests from customers using our popular IBEAM email mailing list management service. Upon initial investigation, the sending queues in the software were experiencing problems with queuing the messages properly. Closer scrutiny revealed that the queue tables in the IBEAM database were locked while the database management software attempted to repair some damage to the tables apparently caused by a hard disk drive array attempt to rebuild a drive that had fallen out of sync. This repair process continued until it was determined that the hard disk drive in question was reporting itself as rebuilding when it had, in fact, failed. Bypassing the automated alarm systems, the drive was manually labeled as failed and removed from the system to allow the backup drives to kick in and handle the data.

The drive was replaced and rebuilt into the array to restore full performance to the database engine, and the IBEAM service configuration parameters were tweaked to mitigate any future impact from similar performance incidents. Over the weekend, some configuration parameters were changed to allow for faster queuing of IBEAM messages, and we are happy to report that the IBEAM service is now fully functional. Please continue to report any ongoing problems we may be unaware of.

As compensation for any customers who were affected by the IBEAM problems last week, we extend our apologies and would like to offer a Value Marketing Package at 50% off the regular price. You can order your package through the AS Marketing Center site and use the coupon code HALFVAL at checkout.

Best regards,

– The AuctionServices.com Team

As a footnote from the time we started IBEAM system which was many many years ago our pricing has always been way below every other competitive system out there. This pricing change is not an increase in profit for us but a reinvestment to make the system even better for you!

Over the years lists, sends, requirements and support for an effective email management systems has grown tremendously. Better detailed reporting, faster sends, scheduling, templates, auto replies, bandwidth, better more powerful servers etc. etc. etc. IBEAM has been a real value and I promise it will continue to be.

Please bear with us as we work out some details on our end a little more. Nothing will change until you know well in advance and we hear your valuable feedback so please keep it coming. Thank you!

Two areas of concern are marked with red arrows:

Click here to view the IBEAM Pricing Comparison Graph

The new software was so popular, that after a few months we started to notice some issues. Customers were reporting slow sending and delays. After a thorough investigation, we determined the source of the problem. The number of lists and subscribers in the system, coupled with the volume of emails being sent was overwhelming the email queue at peak times. This acted like a logjam.

As we looked further, we found that a third of iBEAM users have small lists under 500 total subscribers. Another third have lists totaling fewer than 10,000 subscribers. The top third are the heaviest users with total subscribers over 10,000 and some over 100,000.

In order to provide the best service for users at all levels, we decided to move users with larger lists to dedicated servers. Because server space and bandwidth come at a premium, I have made the tough decision to create tiered pricing for iBEAM based on usage. Click here to review the new pricing tiers.  We researched the market and feel this new pricing is comparable to, and in some cases better than pricing offered by competitors. We urge you to research this for yourself.

New pricing will go into effect November 1, 2009, based on total subscribers in your list(s) at that time. To determine the package level for your IBEAM account, simply log in at http://ibeam.auctionservices.com/ and look at the “Total active subscribers” number under the Quick Stats section of your main administration dashboard. If you have questions or concerns, please give us a call (540) 206-3311.

Best regards,

Richard Romanus
President & CEO,
AuctionServices.com, Inc.