In a recent turn of events, Microsoft has retaliated against Delta Air Lines following the airline’s announcement of seeking damages from the tech giant and CrowdStrike in the aftermath of a significant IT outage.

Delta Air Lines faced immense challenges in recovering from the outage, resulting in over 5,000 flight cancellations post the July 19 incident. The root cause was identified as a faulty software update from CrowdStrike, impacting numerous computers running on Microsoft Windows. CEO Ed Bastian revealed that the ordeal cost the carrier approximately $500 million, compelling Delta to pursue legal actions against both technology companies.

Representing Microsoft, Mark Cheffo from Dechert responded to Delta’s legal counsel, David Boies, highlighting alleged contractual breaches and gross negligence on Microsoft’s part related to the faulty software update. Cheffo acknowledged the impact on Delta and its passengers but refuted claims made by the airline, deeming them incomplete, false, and damaging to Microsoft’s reputation.

Notably, both Microsoft and CrowdStrike extended offers to assist Delta at no cost during the crisis. However, Delta reportedly declined the support from Microsoft employees multiple times. The lack of response from Delta‘s end to outreach attempts from both CEOs further complicates the situation.

Contrary to Delta‘s claims, Cheffo emphasized that Delta’s critical crew-scheduling platform, the focal point of the outage, does not rely on Microsoft technologies but rather on systems provided by other tech partners like IBM and Amazon. This raises questions about Delta’s IT infrastructure modernization compared to its competitors, potentially contributing to prolonged recovery times.

Microsoft’s demand for Delta to disclose the extent of involvement of other technology providers such as IBM and Amazon in the outage underscores the complexity of the situation. While American Airlines and United Airlines managed to recover swiftly, Delta’s operational challenges persist, indicating underlying IT infrastructure disparities.

As the dispute unfolds, it is evident that a comprehensive review of Delta’s technological ecosystem is imperative to address the root causes of the outage and pave the way for sustainable solutions in the future.

Stay tuned for further developments as Microsoft and Delta navigate through this intricate technological debacle.

• Delta Air Lines Pursues Legal Action Against CrowdStrike and Microsoft Over Flight Disruptions
• Delta CEO: Airline Lost $500M Due to CrowdStrike-Microsoft Outage
• Travel Chaos: Thousands Stranded as Major Airlines Grounded by System Outage
• Delta Airlines Outage Sparks Compensation Demands
• Delta’s Tech Woes: US Regulators Investigate Airline’s Stalled Recovery