25 Years of IT: A Journey Through Tech

As a seasoned Senior System Administrator with two and a half decades of experience, I’ve navigated the ever-changing landscape of technology. Here’s a glimpse and some bytes into my professional evolution:

Early Foundations Link to heading

  • Custom PC Hardware Assembly: My journey began with assembling custom PC hardware, gaining a deep understanding of the intricate components that power modern computing.
  • Structured Cabling Infrastructure: I honed my skills in structured cabling installations, ensuring seamless connectivity across networks.
  • Helpdesk Support: I provided timely assistance at both the first and second levels of technical support within a financial institution.

System and Network Administration Link to heading

  • Windows and Virtual Servers: Transitioning into system and network administration, I managed physical and virtual servers predominantly in Windows environments. My responsibilities included server maintenance, performance optimization, and troubleshooting.
  • Network Configuration: I configured routers, switches, and firewalls, ensuring robust connectivity and security for the organization.
  • Leadership Roles: As my expertise grew, I stepped into leadership roles-first as a team leader, then as an IT manager-guiding teams toward operational excellence.

Sector Shift: From Finance to Energy Link to heading

Adapting to Change: The last few years witnessed a significant shift as I moved from the financial sector to the energy industry. Adapting to new challenges, I embraced the evolving landscape of IT.

  • Infrastructure Management: Currently, I provide my expertise as a Senior System and Infrastructure Engineer. My focus areas include:

    • Server Installation and Migration: Seamlessly transitioning to new servers while minimizing downtime.
    • Storage and Backup Management: Ensuring data integrity and disaster recovery across diverse platforms (Linux and Windows).
    • Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize resource utilization.
    • Data Center Operations: Overseeing capacity planning, power management, cooling efficiency, and maintaining high availability across all Data Centers and Computer Rooms.

  • Client Consultations: Beyond organizational boundaries, I advise clients on IT strategies, network design, and security best practices.

Technology Proficiency Link to heading

  1. Virtualization Platforms

    • VMware: I’ve worked extensively with VMware, including VCenter and SRM, harnessing its powerful virtualization capabilities.
    • Oracle KVM (ovirt): Managing virtual environments using Oracle KVM has been a key part of my journey.
    • OracleVM and Hyper-V: My proficiency extends to these platforms, ensuring seamless operations across diverse infrastructures.

  2. Microsoft Ecosystem

    • On-Premises and Cloud Solutions: I’ve mastered the entire spectrum of Microsoft products, from on-premises deployments to cloud services.
    • Active Directory (ADDS) and Azure AD: I’ve orchestrated AD environments, enabling secure user management and authentication.
    • Exchange Server and M365: My expertise includes configuring and maintaining Exchange environments and leveraging Microsoft 365 productivity tools.
    • Management Software: I’ve wielded tools like SCCM-WSUS (for patch management) and WAC (Windows Admin Center) to streamline operations.

  3. Linux Proficiency

    • RedHat/Oracle and Ubuntu/Debian: I’ve administered Linux servers, fine-tuning performance and ensuring robust security.
    • Web Servers, Load Balancers and WAF: My toolkit includes Apache, HAproxy and NGINX. I’ve optimized web services using load balancers and protected them with Web Application Firewalls.
    • PowerDNS and BIND: I’ve implemented and maintained DNS ininfrastructure using PowerDNS and BIND solutions, enhancing DNS reliability.

  4. Monitoring and Analytics

    • Paessler PRTG: I’ve utilized PRTG for network monitoring, ensuring proactive issue detection.
    • SolarWinds, Splunk, and Graylog: These tools have been my allies in analyzing logs, identifying trends, and troubleshooting.
    • Zabbix: I’ve configured Zabbix for comprehensive infrastructure monitoring.

  5. Database Management

    • OracleDB, MS SQL, and MySQL/MariaDB: I’ve installed, optimized, and maintained databases across different platforms.

  6. Automation and Infrastructure as Code

    • Ansible and Terraform: My recent focus lies in automation and infrastructure orchestration. Ansible streamlines configuration management, while Terraform empowers infrastructure as code.

  7. Hardware Landscape

    • Compute: I have managed servers form Cisco, DELL, IBM, HP, LENOVO, Fujitsu and Huawei.
    • Networking: I’m well-versed in Cisco Routers, Switches and PIX/ASA firewalls. Additionally, I have worked with HP/Aruba Switches.
    • Security Appliances: My familiarity extends to Watchguard and Fortigate Firewalls, as well as Barracuda Appliances.
    • Telephony: I’ve managed Alcatel PBX systems.
    • Storage Solutions: EMC, IBM, 3PAR, Fujitsu and Huawei Storages. EMC Data Domain is also part of my repertoire.
    • Tape Libraries: I’ve handled IBM, HP, and Spectra tape libraries.

Skills Link to heading

  • Problem Solver: I excel at identifying and resolving complex issues.
  • Effective Communicator: My strong communication skills facilitate collaboration within teams.
  • Independent and Team Player: I adapt seamlessly to both individual and collaborative work environments.
  • Curious and Respectful: I approach challenges with curiosity while respecting people and systems.
  • Oracle Linux System Administration I Ed 1 (Oracle University)
  • Oracle Database 19c: Administration Workshop (Oracle University)
  • CompTIA Linux+ - Cybrary.it