Kevin Closson's Blog: Platforms, Databases and Storage

Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air Computer Crash Crashes Spring Break

As I set out to make this blog entry I considered using the “OT” (off-topic) preface so as to respect readers’ time in case this ended up seeming like a SPAM entry. After typing for a moment I realized this is completely on-topic.  Consider the following quotes from the below-referenced web news pieces (bold font added for effect):

The central computer system for Alaska Airlines […]

We are working to restore the computer system and to accommodate our passengers […]

The computer system is used to plan all flights […]

A statement posted on the airline’s website said technical specialists had made some progress in restoring the system since it first went down at 3 a.m. […]

All of you who are regular readers of this site know why I highlighted certain words in bold font!

Why isn’t there any news yet questioning the obvious lack of business continuity systems, procedures, operations, switch-over to whatever redundant system Alaska Airlines /Horizon Air must certainly have in place?

Here is my take on the computer crash that crashed spring break. Please give it a read and then, perhaps, comment on the DR/BC failure that put this whole blog entry into motion:

References:

CNN coverage of the Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air Computer Infrastructure Meltdown

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9M72I4O0.htm