Delta Air Lines recently blamed Microsoft and cybersecurity software firm CrowdStrike for the cancellation of thousands of flights during a worldwide IT outage. However, Microsoft has denied these claims and stated that Delta’s public comments are damaging to its reputation. In a letter addressed to Delta’s attorney, Mark Cheffo, a lawyer for Microsoft, said that Delta’s key IT system is likely serviced by other technology companies, not Microsoft. Cheffo also mentioned that Microsoft immediately offered assistance to Delta at no charge following the outage but was turned down multiple times.
According to Cheffo, it is now apparent that Delta refused help from Microsoft because the IT system in question was being serviced by other providers, such as IBM, and not running on Microsoft’s Windows or Azure systems. Microsoft is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the CrowdStrike incident.
Cheffo further stated that Delta’s false and damaging public statements have prompted Microsoft to vigorously defend itself in any potential litigation. However, a Delta spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to investing in safe and reliable service, mentioning the billions of dollars spent on IT capital expenditures since 2016.
CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity firm responsible for the faulty software update that caused the IT outage, has also offered assistance to Delta during the incident. The software update, called Falcon, caused over 1 billion Windows-based computers to crash globally and resulted in numerous flight cancellations.
In conclusion, while Delta Air Lines blamed Microsoft and CrowdStrike for the IT outage, Microsoft has denied these claims and stated that Delta’s comments are damaging to its reputation. It is now evident that Delta’s IT system was serviced by other providers, and Microsoft had offered assistance multiple times, which Delta declined. Both Microsoft and CrowdStrike are continuing to investigate the incident.
