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The Shining. Halloween. Friday the 13th. The Exorcist. The Ring. Get Out. For most people, these movies are terrifying. We said most people — but not all of them.
You see, there is a type of person for whom maniacal hotel operators and axe-wielding slayers are nothing to fear, because they have faced worse. Yes, we are talking about IT pros. And that brings us to October’s spooky poll question!
This month, we are asking: What is your scariest IT horror story?
Phantom of the Opera Installation
To get things started and set the tone, we asked our CIO Simon Chalifoux to share a chilling tale from his vast experience in the IT world. Here is what he shared:
“Once we were working on a project to replace IT infrastructure, and it was dragging on due to delays in equipment delivery. After several weeks of managing the client's growing frustration, the long-awaited equipment finally arrived at the IT service firm, which quickly scheduled the installation.
On the day of the operation, the technician in charge discovered an electrical connection issue. This required an electrician to modify the on-site setup. Delaying the installation and adding additional costs would be catastrophic for this already-troubled project, and would jeopardize the IT firm’s reputation.
A bold decision was made: despite everything, the technician would go on-site and proceed with the installation by making a modification that would temporarily get the equipment up and running. Problem solved and end of story, right? Well, not quite!
On the evening of the installation, an extremely violent storm hit the area. And due to the reduced visibility on the road, the technician heading to the site collided with another car! The great news was that he and the other driver were uninjured, and both cars could be safely driven. But the bad news was that the client refused to postpone the installation. They insisted that it had to be completed at all costs.
The shaken but undaunted technician continued on his way, and he finally arrived on-site in the middle of the night, while the storm raged on, to face a difficult and potentially dangerous electrical problem. It was like something out of one of those gothic horror novels. All that was missing was a mad scientist, some howling werewolves, and perhaps a mummy and the Grim Reaper!
Fearing the worst and against all odds, the installation of the new equipment went off without a hitch. And per the old saying that “nothing is more permanent than a good temporary solution,” I was told later on that this provisional setup remained in place for the entire lifespan of the new equipment!”
You could win
Just by participating in this month’s poll and sharing a scary IT horror story — or more than one if you wish — you will be automatically entered to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards.
We will announce the winners and share some of the most haunting tales in early November. Thank you in advance for participating!
