On Friday, businesses around the world experienced technological disruptions due to a faulty software update. The consequences of this outage continued throughout the weekend, highlighting the vulnerability of a digitized world that relies heavily on a few providers for key computing services.
The impact of the outage seemed to be divided between larger companies and smaller businesses. Major customers of Microsoft and CrowdStrike, two prominent technology companies, received IT support to resolve their issues. However, many smaller businesses that had received the problematic update on their Windows PCs were still struggling.
One such business owner is Tsvetta Kaleynska, who owns RILA Global Consulting in Manhattan. Despite resolving her payroll issue and receiving an extension for a research project deadline, she lost out on signing a new contract with a prospective client because Docusign, which runs on Microsoft software affected by the faulty update, was down.
Kaleynska expressed her frustration as a small business owner who lacks access to computer science or security services that larger companies can rely on in times like these. She emphasized how devastating this situation is for her business and personal life.
CrowdStrike attempted to provide an initial fix through a software update but acknowledged that many computers would require hands-on work that could take days or longer to complete. Small businesses impacted by this issue may have to work tirelessly over the weekend to ensure their systems are up and running again.
Tech analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush noted that small businesses rely heavily on third parties for support during such situations but are now facing an uphill battle due to limited technical resources compared to larger corporations.
Ari Lightman from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College agreed with Ives’ assessment and mentioned how big companies spend significant portions of their IT budgets on Microsoft and CrowdStrike services. In contrast, small businesses may struggle with finding online information or following step-by-step manual fixes provided by CrowdStrike due to limited tech knowledge.
The impact of this outage varied among different small businesses. Some experienced issues with human resource systems or distribution routing systems while others faced problems with cash registers or critical tools necessary for daily operations.
Despite these challenges, some small business owners found ways to adapt and continue working. For example, Dr. Ozan Toy from Telapsychiatry shifted his employees from Microsoft phone lines to Ring Central System or Zoom as alternatives for communication purposes.
Chris Delmond from Handcraft Hospitality had difficulties accessing his cloud-based accounting software app but managed by contacting banks directly instead. He acknowledged the frustrations faced by small business owners but remained resilient in dealing with ups and downs in his industry.
it is clear that this global technological disruption has had far-reaching effects across various industries worldwide. The full extent of its impact remains uncertain as both large corporations and smaller enterprises continue working towards resolving these issues caused by one faulty software update.
