This last week, Nasdaq Stock Exchange shut down for 3 hours. See: http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/08/23/after-mishaps-nasdaq-loses-standing-to-rivals/?_r=0
Google, Amazon, NY Times, and Microsoft went down as well. What is the probability that all five of these entities would suffer a loss of system communications in the same week? Nearly 0%
Some of you may not know that I have held IBM Technical Certifications continuously for about the last twenty years, ever since they started their certification program. I should know something about industry system redundancy. These companies have spent millions to billions of dollars to insure they are online 24×7, 365 days per year. They have multiple redundant sites, mirrored databases to allow a split-second cutover if there is an outage at one of their several locations.
As I wrote in a previous blog, if you want to take control of the population, you must take over communications first. Can you see now why I prefer to keep a manual checkbook versus doing all of my transactions online? The probability of planned interference of communications among these five giants is high. This could have been a “field” test to verify the ability to execute a selected communications blackout.
What is the other plausible explanation? As I have written in other blogs, the system is getting so complex, it is moving to the point of failure due to over-complexity. Either way, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You may not get access to them one day. If and when that day comes, be prepared to live a simple life without the Internet. Do you have any cash on hand? Does your pantry have a little extra food?
The CEO of the Nasdaq was quoted by others: ““A number of people have recounted sales meetings in which Bob led with the slogan ‘our customers are our hostages,’ ” Mr. Cummings’ letter said.” Has the Internet made you a hostage? Not me.