Graffen Business Systems

07/07/2026

Here's Brian Ross, a long time, loyal Graffen employee. Brian is a Senior Productivity Technology Specialists - which means he has a ton of experience helping the Legal and Healthcare clients with dictation and speech productivity tools. Brian seems to have settled into his new office here in Wayne, PA.

06/30/2026

Hank's hanging out in our new Graffen setup area - setting up a PC for a Managed IT architectural client in Philadelphia.

06/23/2026

Meet Darryl Dancy, our Lead Support Desk Engineer. Darryl's been with us for 10 years and seems be excited about moving our Managed IT Company to Wayne, PA. In between managing client tickets, he's organizing our new setup area.

06/18/2026

We closed up the old office last week, and we opened up new office this week. We’ll definitely miss some of the convenience of Conshohocken, but this space is a big step forward. It’s clean, modern, and gives our team a lot of things we’ve never had before.

More than anything, we’re excited about what it means day-to-day - better collaboration, better workflows, and a new energy across the team.

We’re also looking forward to having the rest of the team who couldn’t make the opening stop in soon, and we’re excited to invite clients out for an open house in the near future. In the meantime, if you’re in the area, feel free to stop by - we’d love to show you around.

06/17/2026

Last week we left our Conshohocken office for the last time, and Dave had the honors of shutting off the lights for the last time. For the last 36 years, Graffen has called Conshy home. Moving up and moving on. We'll miss you 19428.

05/22/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯'𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱?

Now that the golf season is well underway, maybe it’s time to consider data security. It should always be top of mind, but why not now?

Just like any business, your Club has a very specific set of risks that should be understood - and protected at all costs.

Some of those include:

• Member data – home addresses, phone numbers, family details, and even usage habits (tee times, dining patterns, guest activity)
• Club financials and billing history
• Vendor and partner information
• Private staff data – SSNs, addresses, payroll information

All of these are important; however, the unique risk is around the membership’s private data. You’re not just storing contact information - you’re stewarding the personal data of a highly curated, often high-net-worth group. That makes your club a very attractive target.

The worst-case scenario isn’t just “we had a breach.” It’s what happens after.

For example:

• A member receives what looks like a legitimate email from the Club (GM, controller, or events team)…
→ asking them to update billing details or pay an invoice
→ and they send money or sensitive information to an attacker

• That same data is then used in a larger, more sophisticated phishing campaign targeting other members
→ now it appears even more convincing because it references real names, events, or relationships

• Attackers gain access to internal email or systems
→ and can monitor communications, impersonate leadership, or target your board and top members directly

• In a worst case, your membership list itself is exposed
→ which isn’t just a security issue—it’s a reputation and trust issue that’s very hard to recover from.

Of course, there are ways to help protect against these types of breaches. We have a presentation that reviews these risks, along with thoughts on how to protect your Club. I'm happy to share.

05/22/2026

5 Common Causes of IT Downtime, based on our Managed IT Services experiences. Of course, cybersecurity and the human element are included.

05/22/2026

Thanks to Golf Association of Philadelphia for hosting us at this years Pro-President!

05/20/2026

Great quote from one of our Managed IT clients.

05/12/2026

We spend a lot of time talking with organizations about the day-to-day realities of IT and cybersecurity.

One thing we see often: many businesses assume cyber threats are only a concern for larger organizations with bigger targets.

But most incidents come from common vulnerabilities, routine activity, and moments that don’t seem unusual at first.

Good cybersecurity is rarely about one solution. It’s the result of consistent habits, proactive support, and systems designed to reduce risk over time.

02/24/2026

What is impossible travel?

It’s a security alert triggered when login activity doesn’t match real-world travel patterns, which can point to compromised credentials or risky behavior.

This brief video walks through what impossible travel is and how it fits into a broader cybersecurity picture.

www.graffen.com

01/28/2026

11/25/2024

Great news if you use Microsoft Teams: A new translation feature is on the way, making it easier to have meetings in multiple languages.

While Teams already offers live language interpretation with professional interpreters, they’re testing a new “bidirectional support� feature that allows interpreters to switch between languages in just one click.

This means you’ll be able to talk to your team and clients in multiple languages, without needing lots of interpreters or devices.

Another interesting fact? It’s all done without AI. Yes, it uses real human translators to give you accurate translations of different languages in real time.

The feature will be available on both Windows and macOS once it launches. Is this something you’re looking forward to using in your business?
https://tinyurl.com/ysts7nc4.

Interpreters will be able to switch the direction of the languages they're translating between with the push of a button.

11/22/2024

On this day in 1997, just two weeks after Steve Jobs became interim CEO, Apple launched its famous 'Think Different' campaign.

This was a huge turning point for Apple. The “Think Different� campaign celebrated the rule breakers who dared to take a different path – and it helped Apple (which had been heading towards failure) become the giant it is today.

For business owners, it’s a reminder of the power of creative thinking. If you want to create real growth, you might have to be willing to go against the grain.

Take a moment to reflect on your business. How can you think outside the box? What bold moves can you make to push your business forward?
https://tinyurl.com/5cya3ncp.

September 28, 1997 Just a little over two weeks after naming Steve Jobs interim CEO, Apple launches their “Think Different” ad campaign. Designed to reintroduce the Apple brand, the campaign was nearly universally praised by the press, general public, and advertising industry, winning several aw...

11/21/2024

The International Space Station has just made history by 3D printing metal parts in space for the very first time.

Imagine an astronaut needing a new part on a mission to the moon and being able to print it right there mid-flight. This could be a total game changer for long space missions.

The European Space Agency (ESA) ran into quite a few challenges when trying to make this possible. Yet they managed to pull it off, thanks to their specially designed Metal 3D Printer, which melts stainless steel at 2,192°F and builds each part one layer at a time.

The very first metal part was successfully printed in August, and now the parts will go through quality testing back here on Earth.

This achievement really highlights how fast 3D printing technology is developing. What was once a futuristic concept is now being used in reality by scientists in space.

It could mean big things for businesses and change the manufacturing industry forever. If custom parts can be printed on demand, there could be less need to hold onto lots of stock. And without bulk buying, shipping costs could drop too.

Can you think of some innovative tech that could help your business?
https://tinyurl.com/2pcaekzh.

ESA Metal 3D Printer was launched to the ISS at the start of the year.

11/20/2024

Do you find the settings menu in Microsoft Edge overwhelming compared to Google Chrome? Here’s some good news: An update is about to fix that.

As a business owner, you know time is money. So, the less time wasted rooting around settings, the better, right?

The changes will start rolling out in October, and it looks like it will be worth the wait. One of the benefits of the Edge browser is customization options, and this update will make it easier.

For a start, settings will be grouped into smaller sections. There’ll also be a quick access feature, so you can go straight to your most-used settings in just one click.

If you’re still using Chrome, it’s worth keeping an eye on Edge as these improvements roll out.

Will this update make you want to switch up your browser?
https://tinyurl.com/nxyjaaa8.

Microsoft plans to improve Settings navigation in Edge by adding quick setting suggestions and collapsible sections.

11/19/2024

If the idea of more ads has been putting you off upgrading to Windows 11, here’s something to be aware of: Microsoft seems to be testing ads in the Windows 10 Start menu too.

Right now, they’re testing a Microsoft “account manager� feature that you can access from the Start button. Although this could be a helpful feature, it looks like it could also be used to push Microsoft’s products and services, such as 365.

While it’s true that ads might be frustrating for some, it’s worth the compromise if you want better performance, security features, and functionality.

And since ads are looking likely to become part of the experience even if you stay on Windows 10, it's a good time to consider upgrading.

Have you been holding off upgrading your business due to ads in Windows 11?
https://tinyurl.com/49pm5yx4.

Windows 10's new feature feels like more Microsoft 365 ads

11/18/2024

Microsoft is rolling out a new way to update Windows 11 with something called “checkpoint cumulative updates�.

These updates should be smaller and faster than whole system updates, as they only update the parts of your system that need updating.

Sounds great, right?

Well, some people are already reporting issues with the latest update, particularly those using PCs with certain Intel or AMD chips.

As of right now, checkpoint cumulative updates are only available on Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PCs. But people are having issues with the installation causing stalling or “operation not supported� error messages.

While Microsoft hasn’t officially acknowledged the problem yet, they’ve released a support document with the September update that hints at potential issues.

If you’ve had problems with updates from Microsoft, you might need to manually download and reinstall the update. There are step-by-step guides available to help you, or my team can give you a hand.

Hopefully Microsoft will have brought out an automatic fix by the time the update reaches everyone. Something to keep an eye out for.

Have you had any problems installing updates?
https://tinyurl.com/296dvtc3.

Windows 11 24H2 introduces "Checkpoint Cumulative Updates", but KB5043080 could cause issues with Windows Update on Intel and AMD PCs.

11/15/2024

Name something that’s important for your business yet so easy to forget?

Windows licenses. You know that thing you skip through when setting up a new computer? It’s not just another box to check. It gives you the right to use Windows on all your team’s devices.

Problem is, it can be hard to know if you have a Windows license. The license isn’t the product key, the activation message, or that little sticker on your computer (although these can be signs that you might have a valid license). The actual license is an agreement between you and Microsoft – and unless you keep receipts, it’s not that easy to know if you have it.

If your business has a lot of computers, it’s doubly important to make sure everything’s legit, since messing up the licensing could get expensive. Plus, having a valid license to use Windows on all your devices protects you if you ever get audited or need support from Microsoft.

Not sure if you have a Windows license? My team can help to check your systems are above board. And if they’re not, we can help you sort it. We’ll handle all the technical stuff too, so you don’t have to worry about the fine print. Get in touch.
https://tinyurl.com/y7dye2xx.

Microsoft has made Windows licensing and activation ridiculously complex. Here's what you need to know.

11/14/2024

Did you know that it’s coming up to 40 years since computer code could be copyrighted?

The decision was made on September 22, 1986, as a result of conflict between Intel and NEC Corp, with both companies wanting the right to build x86 processors. This was a groundbreaking moment in the tech world that still impacts how it looks today.

Since then, companies like Intel have been able to use copyright law to protect their code and legally own the software they create. On the flipside, it has also allowed companies to use existing code to create their own product, which has created competition.

The decision made back in 1986 paved the way for today’s tech companies, protecting developers’ hard work while still encouraging software companies to keep creating new products.

So, next time you’re thinking about code or software? Remember this moment in history and how it helped to shape technology as we know it.
https://tinyurl.com/mr2wn7x6.

September 22, 1986 The US District Court for the Northern District of California rules that computer code is protected under copyright law. The ruling stems from the case NEC Corp. v. Intel Corp, which was basically a battle over who had the right to produce x86 processors. The ruling, while finding...

11/13/2024

Microsoft has just made it easier to share files between your Android device and Windows PC. Finally, they’ve released something similar to Apple’s AirDrop!

With the latest Windows 11 update, you can now quickly send files back and forth using the Windows Share feature. No more relying on third-party apps or clunky workarounds.

All you need to do is set up two apps: Phone Link on your PC and Link to Windows on your Android phone. Simple!

Once you’re connected, you can share files directly through the Windows Share menu, making it much faster and easier to move documents or photos between your devices.

Whether you’re working on the go or need to share a file quickly, this feature is so useful for business owners who need a simple and reliable way to get things done.

The best part? The connection works both ways.

If you haven’t grabbed the update yet, you can get it now. Is this an update you’ve been looking forward to?
https://tinyurl.com/2s4kua9y.

Sharing files from your Windows PC to your Android device is about to get a lot easier.

11/12/2024

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature that could save you a ton of time when working with messy spreadsheets in Excel.

The new TRIMRANGE function will help you clean up your data in seconds, making your files easier to work with and your calculations much more efficient.

So, what does this mean for you and your business?

Picture this: You’ve got a big spreadsheet full of data, but there are lots of empty rows and extra zeros cluttering things up. Normally, you’d have to clean up the excess yourself, wasting a lot of time and effort.

Now you can use TRIMRANGE. With the new feature, Excel will automatically trim unnecessary data, so you can concentrate just on the information you need.

The TRIMRANGE feature also lets you choose whether you want to clean up from the start, end, or both sides of your data range. It’s perfect for speeding up your calculations and making your spreadsheets run a lot smoother.

I think you’ll love this one - will you be in line to try it out?
https://tinyurl.com/bdhf5mfc.

Microsoft Excel's TRIMRANGE and trim references were long awaited by the community, and they're gradually rolling out now.

11/11/2024

A rare piece of gaming history just sold for (you won’t believe this) $35,000.

The item was one of only a few “Nintendo PlayStation� prototype controllers that exist today. It went up for auction at the end of August and collectors went wild.

Did I just say Nintendo PlayStation controller?... What?

Well, before Nintendo 64 and Sony PlayStation started dominating the gaming world, the two companies briefly worked together on a console known as the 'Nintendo PlayStation'. Ever heard of it?

Very few of the consoles were created and most were thrown away, making both the console and its controllers rare finds.

This isn’t the first time a piece of the forgotten partnership has sold for big money, either. Back in March, a full Nintendo PlayStation console sold for (wait for it) $360,000!

While no exclusive games were ever made for the console, it represents an important moment in gaming history, when Nintendo and Sony almost joined forces.

Business owners can learn a lot from this story. It shows us that partnerships and product innovations - even if they never succeed - can leave a lasting impact (and sometimes have more value down the line!).

What are your thoughts on this?
https://tinyurl.com/vbymvvbb.

An artifact of the short-lived Sony and Nintendo console partnership remains, and earns its seller a pretty penny.

11/08/2024

Thinking about using Copilot for your business? Microsoft has dropped an important Transparency Note - and it’s something you’ll want to pay attention to.

AI tools like Copilot can make your life a whole lot easier, helping with tasks like summarizing emails, creating reports, and even predicting trends. But it’s important to make sure you know how to manage AI the right way before you jump in.

Why does this matter for businesses?

Well, while Copilot uses advanced AI models to answer prompts and create content, AI isn’t perfect. To use it well, you still need to know how AI works, what it can do, and where its limits are.

If your business handles sensitive data, you also have to make sure you are following legal regulations and compliance rules.

Microsoft assures us that data is encrypted and won’t be used to train their AI, but it’s still on you to keep things secure at your end.

The bottom line?

Copilot can help your business run smoother and smarter, but you have to make sure you’ve got the right safeguards in place.

My team can help you do that. If you don’t know where to start, get in touch.
https://tinyurl.com/3r9ed4uw.

Transparency Note for Microsoft 365 Copilot

11/07/2024

Ransomware attacks are becoming a big problem for business owners - and it’s not something you’re going to want to deal with.

If you become a target, cyber criminals can lock you out of your own files and then demand a ransom (usually paid in Bitcoin) to get your files back.

If that’s not scary enough, wait until you hear how much they are demanding. The latest average ransomware demand is a huge $1.5 million. And no business is safe from being hit, including yours.

So, how can you stop your business becoming a victim?

First, protect yourself by making sure the security software and firewalls are up to date on all of your team’s devices. Also make sure you keep your software updated - cyber criminals love to find weaknesses in outdated software.

Don’t forget your people either. A little training goes a long way. Make sure everyone knows how to spot suspicious emails and links, so they don’t open the door to attackers.

One last thing: Always back up your important data. This way, if an attack does happen, you’ll still have your files without having to pay to get them back. Encrypting sensitive information is also a smart move - it keeps your data safe, even if it’s stolen.

You should always have a strategy in place so that everyone knows what to do if your business comes under attack.

Has your team got a solid strategy to defend against cyber attacks? We can help you build one. Get in touch.
https://tinyurl.com/mryzpwks.

'Big Game Hunting' strategy drives surge in ransomware activities

11/06/2024

Ever wished you could access your Outlook emails without being connected to the internet? Good news! The Microsoft Outlook app for Windows will soon be able to be opened offline.

It used to be that you couldn’t run the Outlook app unless you were online. The new update (coming later this month) changes this. Now you can open or restart Outlook even when you’re not on Wi-Fi.

Business owners are so happy, they’re jumping up and down. You can keep working even when you’re out of range, like when you’re on a flight, working in a place with no Wi-Fi, or you’re having connection issues.

It’s a small change with a big impact on productivity. Now you and your team can open your emails anytime, from anywhere.

Are you using the new Outlook app for Windows yet? Are you looking forward to the update?
https://tinyurl.com/yz37st42.

The Microsoft 365 Roadmap site added some new entries last week, including word of offline launching and restarting features for the new Outlook for Windows app and more.

11/05/2024

Ever feel like you need a second monitor to juggle all your tasks? With Windows 11's split screen feature, you can easily manage multiple apps on a single screen - no extra monitors needed.

Imagine comparing documents side-by-side, keeping an eye on your social feed while working, or following a tutorial while checking your emails, all on one screen. Windows 11 makes this simple with its 'Snap' feature.

Here’s how it works: Simply drag your app to the side or corner of the screen, or hover over the maximize button to choose from several layout options. You can even use handy keyboard shortcuts (like Win + left/right arrow) to snap your windows into place. Once you’re set up, Windows 11 will even suggest apps to fill the remaining space.

My team and I are full of useful advice like this. If you want more, get in touch.
https://tinyurl.com/3zunzkes.

Snap to it by learning how to use split screen in Windows 11

11/04/2024

Imagine you’ve got a two hour video lesson saved on your computer, and you need to find a specific part, fast. Soon, Windows 11 could make that a reality with a cool new feature called 'Intelligent Media Search.'

This feature could allow you to search within your video and audio files for specific phrases or spoken words. No more hunting through hours of content to find that one key moment.

Here’s how it would work: Windows 11 will start indexing your media files, setting up an AI model to transcribe them. Once that’s done, you’ll get a notification letting you know that your files are ready for content-based search. This means you can quickly locate the exact spot where a specific word or phrase is mentioned.

Whether you’re reviewing a recorded meeting, searching through a podcast for a quote, or just trying to find a specific topic in a video, this feature could save you loads of time and effort.

Can you imagine you and your team using this?
https://tinyurl.com/y3thnff4.

Windows 11 is reportedly getting a powerful AI feature that will let you search inside local video and audio files.

11/01/2024

Once again, Microsoft Teams is getting even better. Now you can set your work hours and location directly in the app, so your people know when and where you’re available.

It will also suggest changes to your work hours based on your activity. For example, if you're working outside your scheduled hours, Teams might recommend updating your working time to reflect your actual availability. It’s a smart way to make sure your profile stays accurate… and you can easily turn off these suggestions if they’re not for you.

This update is rolling out on all platforms (Android, iOS, desktop, and Mac), and is part of Teams' ongoing promise to make work easier and more efficient for everyone. It’s all about keeping your business running smoothly.

Are you looking forward to trying out this new feature in your business?
https://tinyurl.com/ybhnhzsm.

10/31/2024

On this day in 1958, something happened that would change the world of technology forever.

Jack Kilby, working at Texas Instruments, successfully tested the very first integrated circuit (IC).

What is that? You might know it as a chip. Think of it as the brain behind almost all modern electronics. It's a tiny piece of semiconductor material (like silicon) that holds all the essential components - like resistors and capacitors - needed to make electronic devices work.

Kilby’s first IC was a simple sliver of germanium with just five components connected by wires, but it paved the way for the powerful technology we rely on today.

For businesses, the development of the IC was a game-changer. It led to the creation of smaller, faster, and more efficient devices that have transformed everything.

So, as we acknowledge this anniversary, let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come thanks to that first successful test. Nice work, Jack.
https://tinyurl.com/yc5v5x27.

September 12, 1958 Researcher Jack Kilby demonstrates the first integrated circuit to other researchers and executives at Texas Instruments.

10/30/2024

Cyber criminals are nothing if not creative. This time they’ve got a scam using Microsoft Sway - a cloud-based 365 tool most people have never heard of (it’s used for creating interactive presentations and reports).

It’s a niche product. And unfortunately it’s now being exploited to host phishing pages.

Recently, a 2,000-fold increase in attacks using Sway was seen. Cyber criminals are using it to create presentations that include QR codes, which then redirect victims to fake Microsoft 365 login pages. If someone falls for it, they unknowingly hand over their login credentials.

What makes this scam difficult to spot is that QR codes, typically seen as harmless image files, can bypass antivirus tools and email protections. Plus, they’re often scanned on phones, which can have weaker security than computers.

So, what can you do to protect your business?

Stay vigilant! Always be skeptical of emails that seem urgent or out of the blue, especially if they ask you to scan a QR code or log in somewhere unexpected. Double-check the sender’s information and, when in doubt, contact the sender directly through a known and trusted method.

If you’re worried, my team and I can help you stay secure. Get in touch.
https://tinyurl.com/4tu6pydu.

Microsoft Sway abused to hold QR codes leading to malicious sites

10/29/2024

Heads up: Microsoft Teams is getting a major security upgrade this October that will make your workspace safer.

It’s introducing new rules. Admins must evaluate apps and extensions before they’re deployed.

So, what does this mean for your business?

Starting next month, your IT admins will have tools to check the safety of apps and Copilot extensions. This includes detailed security and certification information such as results from Microsoft 365 security tests, and proof provided by app creators.

For apps that aren’t yet certified, admins will get info on how the app handles data and its overall security.

This new feature is part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to improve security across its platforms, especially Teams.

Do you look at security info or, like many business owners and managers, just assume the platform is on top of it?
https://tinyurl.com/5enwytx4.

Microsoft Teams will be enhanced to provide better security to organizations by giving admins the tools to check out for any irregularities.

10/28/2024

Tell me... do you use Microsoft Forms in your business? Then here’s some good news. Microsoft’s just announced a better syncing solution that makes it easier and more reliable to sync your Forms data with Excel.

Up until now, syncing wasn’t perfect. It only worked with certain types of forms and could be unreliable.

The older syncing method will be phased out by October 20. So it's important to upgrade your workbooks to keep everything running smoothly. If you don't upgrade, your existing data will still be there, but new responses won’t sync automatically.

If you manage forms through OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams, you’ll soon notice a prompt to upgrade your sync. For once it’s genuinely easy – just a click, and your data will be reliably synced.

More good news: While syncing only works with Excel for the web, Microsoft is working on bringing this improved functionality to Excel for Windows and macOS.

This will make life so much easier, right?
https://tinyurl.com/5n6rznf6.

Microsoft is rolling out a new syncing solution that keeps data in sync across Forms and Excel for the web.