SJ Systems

24/12/2025

As we wrap up 2025, we wanted to say a huge thank you to all our clients across the North East. It's been a brilliant year working with you all, and we're genuinely grateful for your continued trust in us.

We hope you've had a cracking year too, and that you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your families and loved ones.

We'll be back on the 5th January, ready to support your business through 2026.

Merry Christmas from all of us at SJ Systems! 🎄

16/05/2025

A bit of a different one today! Dropping off some branded merchandise for Bellwood Rewinds Limited ahead of tomorrow’s event at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart 🐄🎁

04/03/2025

Is your business truly protected from cyber threats? While you may have top-notch security software, the weakest link could be your employees. With 40% downloading customer data onto personal devices and many ignoring security protocols, your security measures might be compromised.

The solution is to implement clear security policies, provide regular cyber security training, and enforce best practices through ongoing monitoring.

It's time to turn your employees into your strongest defence. Get in touch today to see how we can help strengthen your business’s cyber security.

Employees may be your biggest cyber security risk. Discover how training and policies can protect your business. Contact us today to secure your team.

02/03/2025

If you haven’t tried Together Mode in Microsoft Teams yet, you’re missing out on a clever way to make your meetings more engaging.

Together Mode takes everyone in a meeting and places them into a shared virtual space, like a cosy auditorium or a creative boardroom. It’s designed to help your team feel more present, reducing the boredom of staring at video grids.

But what if setting it up feels intimidating?

No worries. Teams will now guide you through every step, with simplified icons on the toolbar. You’ll get clear instructions to set the scene, assign seats, and apply the view for everyone on the call.

Together Mode isn’t just about creating a cool virtual space for your meetings, either. It’s great for team morale, brainstorming sessions, and keeping everyone focused during presentations.

The better your virtual meetings feel, the better everyone works in your business.

Have you tried Together Mode yet in Teams? Could this make your next meeting more fun and productive?

Feel like you’re in person during virtual meetings with Microsoft Teams together mode, which places all participants together in a shared background.

01/03/2025

Holding on to old tech can feel like a smart way to save money, especially when it’s still working just fine.

But did you know outdated devices can become a serious security risk for your business?

Scammers are constantly changing their strategies, and older hardware and software often can’t keep up. Manufacturers stop releasing updates, vulnerabilities go unpatched… and suddenly, that reliable device you’ve been using for years becomes an open door for cyber attacks.

Think about it: If your router, laptop, or even smartphone isn’t receiving security updates, it’s no longer protecting your data - or your customers'.

And it’s not just about the devices themselves. Old tech can make your entire network vulnerable, potentially giving scammers access to your business systems and sensitive information.

Upgrading may seem like a hassle, but modern hardware isn’t just about shiny features; it’s about staying protected in an ever-changing landscape.

When investing in new tech for your business, look for devices that offer long-term support, strong security features (like encryption and Secure Boot), and compatibility with the latest software.

These upgrades aren’t just an expense, they’re an investment in your business’s future.

Are there any apps or devices in your office that might be holding you back? Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to the old and hello to smarter, safer tools.

If you’re not sure, my team and I can help you find the most suitable tech for your business. Get in touch.

Sometimes you have to move on before you’re truly ready—especially when it’s a matter of safety.

28/02/2025

Remember Clippy, the paperclip-shaped assistant from Windows of yesteryear?

It was always there to offer “helpful” advice when we needed a little assistance (and sometimes when we didn’t…).

Microsoft waved goodbye to Clippy in 2007 - but now, the cheery paperclip some of us loved to hate has been immortalised in song.

A Finnish artist and DJ who goes by the name “Windows95Man" dropped a track called "Paperclip". And it’s a love letter to the tireless assistant we all remember from the early days of Microsoft Office.

The ode to Clippy mixes of ’90s rave with nostalgic nods to Clippy’s legacy, and the music video even features WordArt… because how could it not?

It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it’s a reminder of how far Windows has come.

Today, Windows is a powerhouse platform for businesses, helping millions of us get work done. But it’s probably fair to say nobody loves it quite like Windows95Man.

If you’re curious, "Paperclip" is available to stream on Spotify.

Did Clippy make your workday better or drive you up the wall?

'Paperclip' is the new track from Windows95man and you can stream it today

27/02/2025

Ever heard of the Apple Newton operating system?

Apple discontinued it on this day in 1998, along with their MessagePad series.

Back then, this was a bold move.

The Newton was one of the very first handheld devices, offering features like note-taking and email. But let’s face it, it was ahead of its time and struggled to find its place in the business world.

Axing the Newton allowed Apple to double down on their core product, the Macintosh. It was a decision that set the stage for the company’s future success, paving the way for innovations like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad - devices that have revolutionised how we work and connect.

For businesses, there’s a lesson to be learnt here: Sometimes, it’s better to focus on what you do best and let go of what’s not working.

It’s not just about having great ideas; it’s about timing, strategy, and knowing when to pivot.

What bold decisions could help you to focus your business and thrive in the future?

February 27, 1998 Apple Computer announces that it will discontinue development of the five year-old Newton Operating System and all of its Newton OS-based products, including the MessagePad series and EMate 300. Apple will focus on developing the Macintosh, which is once again left as Apple’s onl...

26/02/2025

You and your team don’t use consumer messaging apps like WhatsApp for work, do you? If you do, you might want to think twice.

WhatsApp recently fixed a flaw in its "View Once" feature (where you can set messages to disappear once they’ve been read), which had allowed some people get around it.

While the fix is a step forward in protecting sensitive data, general-purpose messaging apps still aren’t ideal for business communication. Sure, they might be convenient, but it’s just not worth the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands.

Tools like Microsoft Teams are built specifically for businesses, with advanced security measures designed to keep your data safe and private. From encrypted chats to secure file sharing, Teams helps make sure your business information stays exactly where it belongs - away from vulnerabilities like this.

When it comes to protecting your business, is it time to rethink how you’re communicating?

We can help you find more secure tools to help give you peace of mind. Get in touch.

A bug previously let users bypass the protection

25/02/2025

Microsoft Copilot is a fantastic AI tool for businesses. It’s designed to help you quickly gather information from Teams messages, Word documents, emails, and the rest of your Microsoft 365 suite.

Copilot is great for boosting productivity and helping you work smarter. But as powerful as it is, some businesses have raised concerns about how it handles sensitive data.

For example, if files don’t have strict enough access settings, it could accidentally put confidential information in front of the wrong people.

Data security should be a top priority for every business, so it’s understandable that these questions have been raised.

The good news? Microsoft's taking action.

It's introduced new tools in SharePoint and Purview to help businesses tighten permissions and control what Copilot can access. From detecting “overshared” files to adding sensitivity labels, these updates are designed to give you confidence in using AI without compromising security.

With privacy concerns being actively addressed, Copilot has even more potential to transform how businesses work.

Do you already use AI tools like this in your business, or do security worries hold you back?

The generative AI assistant can surface sensitive information in over-permissioned files, a growing concern for businesses testing the technology. Microsoft is adding new features to SharePoint and Purview to make it easier to control what the tool can access.

24/02/2025

Microsoft Teams is about to get even better: A new “Take Control” feature is on its way that lets participants interact with shared content during meetings.

Imagine being able to step in and take control of a shared screen, make live edits, fix issues, or walk your employees through a process step by step. It’s a smarter, faster way to collaborate.

This upcoming feature will boost productivity, letting you and your team work together more seamlessly.

For example, if someone accidentally shares sensitive information during a call, you can quickly step in to resolve it and get on with the meeting.

Or let’s say you need to demonstrate something - you’ll be able to take control of the shared screen and show everyone else, instead of just trying to explain it.

Of course, the meeting presenter will be able to approve (or deny) any requests for screen control first.

While this feature is currently being tested, it’s worth waiting for the full rollout before using it in your business. Once it’s fully available, it’ll be yet another reason Teams is now the most popular collaboration tool used by businesses today.

Do you think a feature like this could improve your meetings?

It's now possible to take control during screen sharing in Teams for the web. This feature is already available on Windows and Mac.