3 Technology Lessons From Southwest's IT Failure
CIODIVE, February 2nd, 2023
Not all $1 billion tech investments are created equal when it comes to paying down technical debt.
Bad weather was the immediate catalyst for the disruptions Southwest Airlines experienced at the start of the December holiday travel period. But it was the company's shortsighted tech strategy that left the third-largest domestic carrier vulnerable to prolonged operational chaos.
IT glitches are a common headache for tech-dependent businesses, especially when they impact customers and make headlines. Near shutdowns of business operations are far more costly, with severe and sometimes lasting repercussions.