Microsoft Struggles to Recover from Major Global Outage
Pune, 7th August 2024: Microsoft is grappling with recovery efforts after a massive global outage last month that disrupted services for numerous sectors, including airlines and hospitals. The incident, which occurred on July 19, affected airlines, banks, and railway networks worldwide. Microsoft initially attributed the cause to cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike but has now placed the blame on Delta Air Lines for ongoing recovery issues. The prolonged impact has led to over 6,000 flight cancellations, with Delta’s outdated IT infrastructure being a significant factor in the delayed recovery.
The global outage, one of the largest Microsoft has faced, initially caused widespread disruptions due to a software update by CrowdStrike, affecting various Microsoft customers, including several airlines. Although the disruption lessened for other major U.S. carriers the next day, Delta continued to struggle. Microsoft’s review suggests that Delta has not modernized its IT infrastructure like its competitors, exacerbating the recovery process.
Microsoft stated on Tuesday that Delta Air Lines’ outdated IT systems have hindered efforts to recover from the cyber outage, resulting in significant operational challenges. A Microsoft spokesperson mentioned, “Delta’s failure to upgrade its IT infrastructure has caused substantial delays in our recovery process.”
The financial impact on Delta has been severe. The Atlanta-based airline is estimated to have incurred losses of around $500 million due to flight disruptions, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers. A Delta representative defended the airline, saying, “Delta has a long track record of investing in secure, reliable, and advanced service for our customers and employees.”
Additionally, Delta is now under investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its handling of the outage. The prolonged disruption has raised concerns about the airline’s preparedness and resilience in managing IT-related crises.
Hence, Microsoft’s ongoing struggle to recover from the global outage highlights the critical importance of robust and modern IT infrastructure in preventing and mitigating large-scale operational disruptions.
