How do we know what really happened?  The term "glitch" seems to be a codeword for "we don't know who's responsible".   Today, another "glitch" in the FAA computer system is causing flight cancellations which will surely have ripple effects upon meetings, schedules, deliveries, private and commercial interactions everywhere.    

There is no "silver bullet" solution that can be provided to eliminate these types of incidents, however a systematic approach to continually assess the issues must be a routine activity.  GAO reports have such as this one on Comprehensive Risk Assessments provide examples and recommendations.   

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But Operations within all stakeholder organizations must be on the same view, while managing assessing, and mitigating their individual threats and risks, based on their known vulnerabilities.  Just google "airport glitch" and you will see globally how many types of disruptions occur that affect events both within and across borders! 

Young girls look up at armed police at Gatwick airport after security was stepped up to critical level. Photograph: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images

In a time of cutting back to ensure commerical profitability, low probability -high impact events can be increasingly disruptive without Government support and sponsorship at the appropriate level.  At the same time, participation by stakeholders of public companies will be rewarded by the market in a more stable price, due to reduced risk.