Microsoft security disaster sends people racing to Mac

Every cloud has a silver lining and the Crowdstrike/Microsoft’s global IT outage has sent people searching for alternative operating systems, search data reveals.

Windows is broken

In an incredible slice of own goal marketing, the outage saw searches for alternative operating systems shoot up 290% in response, say QR Code Generator. Searches for macOS climbed dramatically during the attack, and nearly doubled – even as people ponder if Windows 11 is worth an upgrade.

The outage has caused global chaos, with banks, TV channels and airports among the many that have fallen victim to the major IT disruption that led to Windows computers abruptly shutting down.

People have lost work, missed appointments and all manner of other inconveniences, with likely cost consequences across the global economy.

Searching for Microsoft alternatives

Searches for Mac this am

The trouble with this is…

Commenting on the findings, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, said: “The recent Microsoft IT outage serves as a clear indication of the risks associated with relying heavily on digital technology.

“Apart from the current issues like disruptions in operations and a surge in interest towards rival companies, there could be lasting effects on customer connections and business strategies within the tech sector. It’s crucial for both Microsoft and its competitors to tread carefully in order to tackle these challenges and make the most of new possibilities.”

Of course, given the recent surge in Mac sales, an incident of this kind will do Apple’s marketing teams no harm at all. Perhaps now really is the time to get a Mac.

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