And Faith is Restored…
This week, I received an email that stopped me in my tracks and even prompted me to change the topic of this article. Like many of you, I’ve been inundated with “Coronavirus deal emails,” many of which are clumsy attempts to capitalise on panic buying. On the other hand, I’ve also come across genuinely helpful advice, such as articles addressing staff absences during this time.
However, the email that truly stood out came from Matthew Prince, Co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare, a company we already use for our Content Delivery Network (CDN). It wasn’t just another routine communication—it was a heartfelt message filled with reassurance and support.
And Faith is Restored…
In the email, Matthew Prince explained how Cloudflare is navigating these uncertain times. He broke it down into clear, thoughtful points:
- Protecting Employees
Cloudflare has prioritised the safety and well-being of its team, outlining the measures they have implemented to safeguard their staff. - Monitoring Global Internet Usage
With an increase in online activity due to remote working, the company is closely tracking internet usage patterns and ensuring continuity of service. - Cybersecurity Measures
Recognising the rise in phishing scams and other cyber threats, Cloudflare has strengthened its defences, reassuring users that its systems will remain fully operational. - Extending Support to Businesses
Here’s the part that truly resonated with me. Mr Prince wrote:
“We recognise that this emergency has put strain on the infrastructure of companies around the world as more employees work from home…
If Cloudflare can do anything to help ensure that happens, I believe it is our duty to do so.
We have removed the caps on usage during this emergency so you can scale to whatever number of seats you need without additional cost… Cloudflare employees around the world have volunteered to run no-cost onboarding sessions so you can get set up quickly and ensure your business’ continuity.”
They have also made Cloudflare for Teams free for at least six months and extended their offer to businesses of all sizes.
Full details are available here:
Cloudflare COVID-19 Emergency Support.
The Impact
Reading this email gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. At a time when many companies might be tempted to exploit the situation, Cloudflare’s approach was to remove money from the equation, offering their services and support for free. It was a refreshing reminder of the importance of looking out for one another during difficult times.
Although we don’t currently need to take up their offer, this email cemented my loyalty to Cloudflare and made me an even stronger advocate for their brand.
Others Stepping Up
Cloudflare isn’t the only major player lending a helping hand:
- Facebook: The platform has invested heavily in supporting global health agencies by providing billions of dollars in free ads, including NHS campaigns in the UK. They’ve also increased fact-checking efforts, blocked exploitative ads and hosted live updates to keep users informed.
- The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub: This initiative is actively supporting research to map the cell structure of COVID-19, aiming to develop a vaccine.
Even if you’re sceptical of these tech giants’ motives, the effort to support communities and businesses during a global crisis deserves applause.
What Can SMEs Do to Help?
For smaller businesses, it might feel like there’s little you can do to make an impact. However, every positive action—no matter how small—can make a difference.
At The Last Hurdle, we’ve been thinking about how we can assist. One way is by sharing digital tools that can help businesses adapt to remote working.
Here are some of our go-to resources:
- Online File Sharing
Tools like Dropbox and Google Drive make it easy for remote teams to share and collaborate on files securely.
- Messaging Services
For quick conversations, create a group on WhatsApp or Messenger. Need video calls? Try Skype or Facetime for seamless connectivity.
- Project Communication
Platforms like Asana allow teams to track projects and tasks efficiently. Everyone can see who’s responsible for what and email alerts keep things on track.
- Team Collaboration
For larger organisations, SharePoint is an excellent choice, though it requires setup time. Alternatively, consider Workplace by Facebook, a private platform that’s intuitive for most users.
- Content Delivery Network (CDN)
Of course, we highly recommend Cloudflare for optimising website performance and security.
And Faith is Restored…
Cloudflare’s actions—and those of other companies like Facebook—serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and support during challenging times. Whether you’re a large corporation or a small business, you have the power to make a difference.
So, what can you do to help? Even the smallest gesture could have a big impact. Let’s all take a moment to consider how we can support each other, not just as businesses but as members of a global community.
