One of the more bizarre issues I see in the technology industry is enterprise companies that sell a solution… that requires them to sell more solutions for problems their original solution causes. Here are ten companies that sell core products with security or stability gaps and then offer additional products or services to address these issues:
- Microsoft: Known for Windows OS, which can have security vulnerabilities. They offer Microsoft Defender and other security solutions.
- Adobe: Adobe software can have vulnerabilities and Adobe also provides Adobe Security.
- WordPress: Vulnerabilities in the core WordPress CMS can be addressed with security plugins like Jetpack Vaultpress Backup or upgrading to WordPress VIP.
- Oracle: Oracle databases may have security gaps, and Oracle offers additional security products like Oracle Enterprise Manager.
- McAfee: While McAfee offers antivirus software, they also provide products to enhance web security and privacy.
- Cisco: Networking equipment can have vulnerabilities, and Cisco offers various security products like Cisco Umbrella.
- SAP: SAP software can be complex and prone to security issues, and SAP offers security and compliance solutions.
- IBM: IBM’s software and hardware products can have security gaps, and they offer IBM Security and other related services.
- Symantec: Symantec offers core security products but provides additional solutions for more comprehensive protection.
- Fortinet: Known for network security, Fortinet offers various security solutions to enhance the security of its core products.
Do we put up with this in any other industry?
The practice of selling a core product with known issues and offering additional products or services to address those issues doesn’t seem tolerated in other industries and has driven many lawsuits. Here are a few examples:
- Automotive Industry: Some car manufacturers have faced legal actions or recalls due to defects in their vehicles and have offered extended warranties or additional services to address those defects.
- Consumer Electronics: Companies that produce smartphones, laptops, or other electronic devices may release software updates or offer extended warranties to address issues or vulnerabilities in their products.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: In some cases, pharmaceutical companies have faced lawsuits related to the side effects of their medications and have offered compensatory measures or additional medications to address those side effects.
- Home Appliances: Manufacturers of appliances like washing machines or refrigerators have been known to provide recall or repair services for defective products and offer extended warranties for peace of mind.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Companies in the food and beverage sector may recall products due to contamination or quality issues and then offer refunds, replacements, or vouchers for future purchases.
- Financial Services: Banks and financial institutions may offer credit monitoring services or fraud protection solutions after a data breach or security issue to address customer concerns.
- Airlines: Airlines have faced lawsuits for issues such as flight delays or lost luggage and have offered compensation, vouchers, or loyalty program benefits as a resolution.
While the legal and regulatory landscape varies by industry and jurisdiction, it seems crazy that we condone this in the technology industry.
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