If you’re using Evernote on an iOS device like iPhone or iPad, you’ve probably noticed an annoying and persistent pop-up message asking you to login to your Apple iTunes account with your Apple ID password.
As of today, Evernote has finally acknowledged the problem with the following message on their Help page:
Evernote for iOS: If you’re prompted to sign in to iTunes, please tap Cancel to resume use of Evernote. We’re working on a fix. Thank you for your patience.
Last week, Evernote pushed out an update that caused their iOS software to be very slow and barely usable. There were error messages about the server not being available, and synchronization errors.
What’s troubling about these recent problems from such a well established and trusted company like Evernote is that they represent the ‘canary in a coal mine’ phenomenon of system failures, but here we have not a canary but an elephant in the coal mine. Big reputable companies are starting to show system strain and failure.
Across numerous industries, not just tech firms, we’re seeing poorly developed products that have little or no testing before being pushed out to the public. Any user will immediately notice bugs and wonder “Do they even use their own product?” These aren’t difficult to spot or identify problems.
At the risk of offering an oversimplified analysis, it seems that these kinds of problems usually occur when entire industries try to do more with less. Businesses seeking to become more ‘efficient’ go beyond the point of diminishing returns where the quality of products, services, and workplace satisfaction are degraded. Everyone loses.
We all need to do what we can to emphasize the pursuit of optimal quality rather than maximum efficiency. Quality products, quality workplaces, quality services, and the highest quality of life for everyone we work with.
Iowa City Technology Services 