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Choosing the right service provider is a critical decision that directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of your business operations. The recent CrowdStrike outage last month serves as a stark reminder of why this choice is so crucial. During this incident, businesses relying on CrowdStrike’s cybersecurity services experienced significant disruptions.  

With over 24,000 affected customers, including nearly 60% of Fortune 500 companies, the impact was widespread and lasted days if not weeks. Microsoft estimated that 8.5 million devices were affected, leading to outages across various sectors, including airlines, healthcare, and financial institutions. The resulting damages were significant, with a reported $5.4 billion loss among Fortune 500 companies alone, and companies like Delta Air Lines threatening legal action due to losses estimated at $500 million. 

However, customers who’ve made Performive their trusted partner saw a stark difference in how quickly and effectively the situation was managed. Performive restored their managed Crowdstrike customers the same day, within hours of the outage. During this outage, our team quickly identified the impact on our clients, interfaced with CrowdStrike, implemented temporary security measures to restore connectivity, and communicated effectively throughout the process. This proactive approach minimized downtime and ensured continued protection against potential threats. As a Managed Service Provider, Performive not only brings technical expertise but also a proactive approach to problem-solving. 

Crowdstrike Outage Detailed Timeline

Performive customers using CrowdStrike were back to normal operations by 9:00 AM EST, well before some had even started their work day.

The Role of a Managed Service Provider in Crisis Management 

Working with a reliable partner like Performive ensures around-the-clock support, keeping systems operational even during unforeseen crises. In the case of the CrowdStrike outage, our continuous monitoring and immediate response were crucial in mitigating risks and ensuring that our customers’ data remained secure. As Davon Daniels, Vice President of Operations at Performive, explains, “This is why you need an MSP, a full-service global partner who can attack issues for you before it’s even a problem. Our overnight team had it handled before customers even logged into work for the day.” 

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer robust support and comprehensive risk management, providing 24/7/365 coverage with expert engineers who act as an extension of your internal team. This extended scope of coverage ensures that emergencies are handled swiftly and with expert care, adding a significant layer of security and rapid response capabilities. As Daniels highlights, “We handle tech emergencies often; we are prepared for them and well-trained in emergency response. We can handle these events with care and experience that your internal team might not have.” 

Why Invest in a High-Quality Managed Service Provider? 

Investing in a high-quality service provider like Performive means investing in the resilience and scalability of your business. It ensures that you can continue to meet and exceed the expectations of your customers, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. The CrowdStrike incident highlighted the critical role of service providers in managing such disruptions effectively, reinforcing the need for a trusted and capable partner in your IT management strategy. 

Businesses can focus on their core activities while Performive takes over the complexities of IT management. They ensure that your infrastructure is up-to-date, secure, and optimized, providing the foresight to implement contingency plans and alternative security measures to ensure there are no gaps in your cybersecurity posture. This partnership fosters a collaborative environment where issues are not only resolved quickly but are anticipated and mitigated before they can impact operations. 

Conclusion: The Importance of a Trusted MSP 

The recent CrowdStrike outage serves as a powerful example of why having a trusted Managed Service Provider is essential. Performive’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to such incidents not only protected our customers but also highlighted the importance of investing in a service provider that prioritizes proactive management and continuous support. In a world where technology is the backbone of business operations, having a partner like Performive ensures that your business remains resilient, secure, and ready to tackle any challenge.