In a recent development, software giant Microsoft has slammed Delta Air Lines for exaggerating its involvement in a disruptive technology outage that led to the cancellation of thousands of flights. The clash between the two companies unfolded in a letter exchanged by their legal representatives, which was reviewed by The New York Times.

According to Microsoft, Delta attempted to deflect attention from its own shortcomings by wrongly attributing the technology giant as the primary cause of its flight cancellations. The letter described Delta's comments, both public and in legal correspondence, as "incomplete, false, misleading, and damaging." Microsoft accused the airline of painting a false picture and distorting the truth.

The tech outage, which occurred in mid-July, was triggered by a flawed software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, affecting various computer systems of several businesses, including airlines. While most carriers quickly recovered, Delta struggled for days and eventually had to cancel around 5,000 flights, accounting for over a third of its schedule.

Delta's CEO, Ed Bastian, estimated that the incident has cost the airline approximately $500 million. In response, the company revealed that it had hired the legal firm Boies Schiller Flexner, led by prominent lawyer David Boies, to pursue legal claims against Microsoft and CrowdStrike. However, both Microsoft and CrowdStrike have been swift to counter Delta's allegations.

Microsoft's letter emphasized that, despite the airline's attempts to shift blame, the tech company had actually empathized with Delta and offered assistance free of charge. The offer was repeated over five consecutive days from July 19 to July 23, but Delta rejected it each time. Furthermore, Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, personally reached out to Ed Bastian on July 24, but no response was received.

Microsoft suspected that Delta declined their assistance due to the airline's struggles with an outdated computer system used for crew tracking and scheduling, which was serviced by other companies, including IBM. The tech company also criticized Delta for lagging behind competitors in terms of IT infrastructure modernization, citing the airline's reliance on outdated technology.

In response to Microsoft's claims, Delta released a statement denying the accusations and highlighting its significant investments in IT infrastructure. The airline emphasized its commitment to safe, reliable, and elevated service for both customers and employees, pointing out that it has invested billions of dollars in IT capital expenditures since 2016.

As tensions between the two companies escalate, Microsoft has demanded that Delta preserve various documents related to the disruption, warning that it will vigorously defend itself if the airline proceeds with a lawsuit.

The fallout from the tech outage continues, and both Microsoft and Delta Air Lines seem poised for a legal battle with conflicting narratives surrounding the responsibilities for the costly disruption.