Computer Systems Down

The cleanup of bricked Windows systems continues. The flawed CrowdStrike update had a significant impact on digital systems and servers, with a rising estimation of over 8 million devices affected. Yesterday, while in the thick of the issues, I had a moment of clarity:

Moments of great turmoil are often singular opportunities for industry leaders to showcase innovation that transforms fundamental practices and the underpinning architectures. When we look back on this day, years from now, will we be disappointed in how the world suffered and failed to adapt, or will we see a moment of transformation led by the best and brightest?

This incident is a painful symptom of a greater problem and it shows that the dependence on digital technology has far exceeded the holistic trustworthiness of its security, privacy, safety, and reliability. The impacts of this trend are accelerating in severity over time.

Will Microsoft step aside and let this event pass or will it step up and boldly use it as a platform to lead the tech industry with innovation into a stronger era of digital trust by transforming the foundations of software and online services?