The Information's 411

Kevin talks about the problems that Azure has had providing service to its customers. It's cropped up before the pandemic, but the surge in use during the work-from-home era has made things even more complicated.

Background Reading

Outbreak Strains Microsoft’s Cloud, but Issues Began Earlier for Customers

Zoe breaks down the new strange world of video conference etiquette. We discuss how the new remote lifestyle has raised a handful of questions about the proper way to interact over video chat. And she explains why an etiquette coach said you technically don't have to wear pants when you're on a Zoom conference (or any video conference for that matter). 

Background Reading

Etiquette in the Age of Zoom

Nick Bastone dives into the way Apple has tried to manage the work-from-home era, where employees have to keep the secret products under wraps while working in a non secretive location

Background Reading

How Apple is Working From Home

Jessica Toonkel talks about why Spotify decided to go on a spending spree to get into the podcasting space. We discuss how this can actually pay off for the company and how long it could take to show results. 

Priya dives into how Amazon has become one of the central pieces holding things together as large swaths of the country remains under stay-at-home orders. We also discuss whether Amazon's increasing role as a utility servicing the nation will change the way people view the company—and what it means for regulatory efforts.

Background Reading

Amazon’s Retail Power Could Grow During Pandemic

We talk to Shai Oster, our Hong Kong bureau chief, about his experience leaving the country as the coronavirus began threatening from China. Then returning to Hong Kong once the US started seeing the effects. He gives us a look at what life looks like after the quarantining ends and people attempt to return to normal. 

The first of our special midweek podcasts during the COVID-19 pandemic looks at Airbnb. Cory explores the company's decision to give guests full refunds on trips that had to be cancelled because of travel restrictions during the crisis.

Please reach out to [email protected] if this situation has happened to you if you have any thoughts as a guest or host.

Background Reading:

Airbnb’s Longstanding Ties to Hosts Frayed by Crisis

Martin talks about the effects of the market downturn in response to the global pandemic. And we discuss which companies are the most affected and how long it will take for investors to regain confidence in the markets again.

Background Reading:

Market Crash Pressures Softbank's High-Risk Investment Strategy

As Prices Fall, Private Equity's Deal Appetite Could Grow

Kate talks about the messages that investors are giving to their portfolio companies about the coronavirus and how to prepare for an economic downturn.

Background Reading:

VCs Brace for Fundraising Delays Amid Outbreak

Jessica Lessin talks about Disney's surprise appointment of a new CEO, Bob Chapek and what it means for Bob Iger in his new role as executive chairman. Priya discusses the future of Amazon Go.

Background Reading:

Despite Stepping Down as Disney CEO, Iger Will Still Be In Charge

Buyer Beware: Why Retailers Should Think Hard About Amazon ‘Go’ Partnerships