Ali Mukarram
Altoona,IA
Summary
Skilled Data Center Virtualization Engineer with expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing virtualization solutions for enterprise-level data centers. Proficient in virtualization technologies, cloud computing, and infrastructure management. Committed to delivering high-performance and scalable solutions to achieve business objectives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Data Center Virtualization Engineer
Presidio
06.2018 - Current
- Participating in 24x7 Production on-call Support of vSphere, ESXi, Cisco UCS, Nutanix AHV, Windows, and Linux Server providing technical support to internal and external customers
- Monitor the performance and health of Linux servers, including CPU usage, memory utilization, disk space, and network connectivity
- Use tools like Nagios, Zabbix, or Prometheus for proactive monitoring and alerting
- Perform routine system maintenance tasks such as applying patches, updates, and security fixes to keep the Linux servers up to date and secure
- This may involve managing package repositories, scheduling regular updates, and implementing necessary reboot schedules
- Develop and maintain scripts or use configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet to automate repetitive tasks and streamline system administration processes
- Install, configure, and maintain the vRealize Automation environment
- Manage user access and permissions within vRA
- Monitor system health and performance
- Troubleshoot and resolve system-related issues
- Perform regular backups and disaster recovery planning
- Building, configuration, and deployment of VMs and Templates, along with systems management
- System logs Analysis for proactive identification of potential issues or threats to servers and desktops
- Maintenance and management of backups and restores of the Production and Development data
- Involved in the installation Windows Servers 2012R2 and 2016 user environment including hardware and software
- Install, configure, and maintain the vRealize Orchestrator server
- Manage user access and security settings
- Monitor and optimize the performance of the vRO infrastructure
- Troubleshoot issues related to vRO server and workflows
- Implement backup and disaster recovery plans for vRO
- Support and Monitoring of Data Center Operations related to VMWare, Linux, SAN Storage, Backup Administration (Network Storage, Avamar, Pure Storage, Nimble)
- Infrastructure monitoring using Logic Monitor
- EMC and NetApp SAN Support, upgrades, troubleshooting, management
- LUN administration, aggregates and connectivity, implementation, and monitoring of space and system utilization
- VMWare 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, 7.x configuration, upgrade, support, and Administration
- Cisco UCS Support
- UCS C chassis and UCSM (B and C chassis)
- Management, troubleshooting and upgrades
- Internal Active Directory management (Permissions, new accounts setup, AD account management)
- Group Policy management, LDAP integration, Open VPN management
- Backup Management, Disaster Recovery implementation, and backup infrastructure support using Networker, AVAMAR, and NetBackup
- UCS Firmware, drivers, and OS upgrades (for both UCS B and C) hosting diverse operating systems
- Managed Systems Health check audits
- Working with partner vendors
- Incident Management using ServiceNow
- Documentation and execution of Change requests
- Solution Design
- Developed and implemented virtualization strategies for multiple clients.
- Configured, optimized, and tested host server hardware to ensure compatibility with virtualized environments.
- Monitored performance of virtual machines and troubleshooted any issues that arose.
- Migrated existing physical servers to virtual environment while maintaining proper security protocols.
- Performed regular backups of VMs and ensured data integrity throughout the process.
- Deployed new VMs in accordance with customer requirements and industry best practices.
- Installed, configured, and maintained VMware vSphere ESXi hosts including patching and upgrading when needed.
- Created templates for rapid deployment of new VMs across various platforms.
- Performed routine maintenance on all hypervisors and related systems such as storage devices, networking components.
- Evaluated vendors' products to identify potential solutions or enhancements to existing infrastructure setup.
- Designed disaster recovery plans for client-specific applications hosted in a virtual environment using high availability clusters.
- Provided technical support for end users regarding their access to resources within a virtual environment.
- Resolved system performance issues by analyzing resource utilization trends and making recommendations accordingly.
- Implemented automation tools such as Puppet or Chef to streamline VM provisioning processes.
- Collaborated with other IT teams to develop policies related to data security in virtual environments.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards such as HIPAA or PCI DSS when applicable.
- Analyzed customer needs and created custom solutions utilizing appropriate technologies like Microsoft Hyper-V or Citrix XenServer.
- Managed user accounts in Active Directory, ensuring proper permissions were set up according to organizational policies.
- Identified areas where costs could be reduced through the use of virtualization technologies.
- Worked closely with stakeholders at all levels to ensure optimal usage of available resources.
- Selected appropriate AWS service based on compute, data or security requirements.
- Configured computing, networking and security systems within cloud environment.
- Implemented cloud policies, managed technology requests and maintained service availability.
- Collaborated with architects and engineers to design networks, systems and storage environments that reflected business needs, security specifications and service level requirements.
- Developed scripts to automate deployment and maintenance of public cloud resources.
- Assessed organization technology infrastructure and managed cloud migration process.
- Evaluated firewalls and monitored threats to establish secure cloud environments.
- Performed best practices by creating systems with fast load times, multiple browser support and minimal memory usage.
- Provided smooth communications by configuring LAN technology, wireless access points and controllers.
- Boosted cloud development by creating functions, applications and databases for users.
- Conducted scheduled maintenance during non-peak hours for uninterrupted service.
- Performed tests on newly installed hardware and software to provide components that interface correctly with each other and network.
- Reviewed system logs to determine usage levels, bandwidth, performance and system security to target inefficiencies and implement appropriate solutions.
- Effectively managed variety of mission-critical network tasks, which included vulnerability and application patching, data backups and network configurations.
- Met with departmental managers to discuss project status and determine action plans.
- Secured network systems by establishing and enforcing access control policies.
- Assisted various departments in maintaining network security by configuring remote routers and firewalls.
- Maintained production network according to company SLAs to fulfill agreed-upon client specifications.
- Successfully deployed server overhaul of both wired and wireless networks, completing projects ahead of anticipated deadline.
- Tracked network and telephony devices for performance and load threshold metering.
- Configured and implemented Cisco ASA firewalls to provide clients with comprehensive security, antivirus protection and virtual network capabilities.
- Addressed emergent issues and technical problems by assisting project planning staff with developing action plans and appropriate solutions.
- Extensively researched unfamiliar products and technologies to learn how best to incorporate new options.
- Performed and documented runbook network operations using step-by-step decision trees.
- Met with stakeholders and presented in-depth information on hardware and software products, delivering expertise to make appropriate purchasing decisions.
- Responded promptly to information assurance notifications to detect vulnerabilities and protect clients.
- Slashed expenses and increased allocation of available resources by auditing schedule, cost and contract performance.
Data Center Engineer
Franklin County Data Center (FCDC)
11.2017 - 06.2018
- Create, modify, and remove user accounts and access privileges on Linux systems
- Ensure proper user authentication and authorization mechanisms are in place and manage password policies and user groups
- Administer file systems by creating, mounting, and resizing partitions
- Manage disk quotas, file permissions, and access controls to ensure proper data security and integrity
- Develop and implement backup strategies to protect critical data on Linux servers
- Regularly perform backups, verify their integrity, and test the restoration process
- Monitor backup jobs and troubleshoot any issues that arise
- Planning and configuration of new internal & external websites utilizing IIS 6.0/7.0
- Plan, direct and control effective provisioning, installation, implementation, operation, and maintenance of data center infrastructure
- Management of periodic and regular back-up, restore, recovery & support operations for systems using AVAMAR, NIMBLE, and DELL EMC
- Direct engineering system administration-related solutions for various operational needs
- Installation and consolidation of Windows server and Active Directory 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2016 with Multi-domain/Multi-Site structure and installation of Domain Controller with the implementation of Active Directory, along with the deployment of Group Policies, IIS, and SCCM packages
- Design, Building, configuration, and deployment of VMs and Templates
- Analysis of system logs
- Maintenance of backups and restores of the Production and Development data
- Storage Management for production servers
- Working on Barracuda Email Security Gateway domain-level settings for one or more protected domains
- Supporting end-user management of quarantine inbox, account management and security, and associated preferences
- Involved in maintaining the production schedules, software, and hardware diagnostic
- Working on service now/ ConnectWise ticketing tool helping customers with design, development, and implementation of specific computer system’s needs
- Analyze and resolve software, hardware, servers, and networking problems.
Windows/VMware/ Systems Administrator
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
07.2017 - 10.2017
- Management of virtual and physical servers Linux and Windows Server 2003-2016 operating systems
- Implement and maintain security measures to protect Linux systems from unauthorized access, malware, and other threats
- Configure firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and other security tools
- Conduct security audits, vulnerability assessments, and risk assessments regularly
- Management Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, and server and workstation patching with SCCM 2012 SP1
- Management of the physical and virtual environment (VMware) of 300-plus servers
- Have familiarity with MS SQL server, windows clustering, domain controller setup, and group policy
- Ensured the security of the server infrastructure by implementing industry best practices regarding privacy, security, and regulatory compliance
- Development and maintenance of documentation of current environment setup, standard operating procedures, and best practices
- Management end user accounts, permissions, access rights, and storage allocations in accordance with best practices
- Perform and test system backups and restores
- Anticipate, mitigate, identify, troubleshoot, and correct hardware and software issues on servers, and workstations
- Escalate incidents, as necessary
- Practice server asset management, including maintenance of server component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information
- Recommend, schedule, and perform software and hardware upgrades, patches, and reconfigurations
- Develop required reports in response to business user and management needs
- Build and deploy new servers on the network as needed
- Have familiarity with NAS and SAN storage management, and MS DFS Building SCCM 2012 R2 SP1 server from scratch and deploying
- Deploying full desktops and publishing applications on Citrix environment.
Windows Server/VMware Systems Administrator
Total Merchant Services
10.2015 - 05.2017
- Build, install, configuration, and support Linux and Windows 2008/2008R2/2012 and 2016 Servers, upgrading Windows Server 2003 to Windows 2008 and 2012/2016 on both physical and virtual machines to ensure server compliance as part of the build process
- Design and Implementation of a migration strategy for consolidating Data Centers as well as creating disaster recovery from around the world to two centralized locations in the US which involve 3000+ servers of various Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 versions
- Develop and maintain scripts or use configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet to automate repetitive tasks and streamline system administration processes
- Configuration and maintenance of MSCS (Microsoft Cluster Server) integrated with VMware RDM feature
- Configuration, maintenance, and support of Microsoft Cluster Server for MSSQL and IIS web servers to maximize uptime and configure active/active and active/passive nodes
- Deployment of security patches, and updates as part of the patching cycle using WSUS and SCCM
- Administering/Supporting production servers/network infrastructure that includes Windows
- Administration of Domain Controllers, Exchange 2003/2010 Mail Servers, DNS, DHCP, NTP, Proxy File and print Servers on Windows 2003/2008/2008R2/2012 and 2016
- Installation of Citrix Presentation server 4.0/XenApp 6.5/6.0 & Citrix Client Tools Technical phone support of customer's implementation of Citrix XenDesktop 7.x
- Technical support for upgrades of end-of-life Citrix XenDesktop products
- Expertise migrating 2000+ Windows Server 2003 servers to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012/2016 as part of a large refresh/migration project
- Installation of ESXi 4.1 through 6.x Hosts, vCenter Server, vCenter update manager, and administering VMs across 10 Datacenters running 10000+ VMs
- Installation, Configuration, and Administration of VMware ESXi 5.0/5.1/ Virtual Center 5.0/5.1, vCenter Servers as well as upgrading to ESXi 5.5/6.0 and Virtual Center 5.5/6.0
- End to End Implementation of VMware View-based Desktop Cloud on VMware vSphere, Cisco UCS, and EMC VNX Platform.
System Administrator
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Administered and maintained virtualization infrastructure, including VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V environments, managing over 200 virtual machines
- Implemented disaster recovery solutions, including backup and replication, ensuring data integrity and minimizing recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO)
- Collaborated with the security team to enforce virtualization security policies and implement necessary security controls
- Monitored system performance and conducted regular system health checks, proactively addressing any identified issues
- Provided technical support and training to end-users, resolving technical problems and ensuring smooth operations.
Project Coordinator for Saudi Aramco
SHAHIG COMPANY FOR PETROLEUM, ELECTRICAL & INDUSTRIAL SERVICES
02.2012 - 05.2013
- Management virtual and physical servers with Windows Server 2003-2012 R2 operating systems
- Management Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, and server and workstation patching with SCCM 2012 SP1
- Management of the physical and virtual environment (VMware) of 300-plus servers
- Have familiarity with MS SQL server, windows clustering, domain controller setup, and group policy
- Ensured the security of the server infrastructure by implementing industry best practices regarding privacy, security, and regulatory compliance
- Development and maintenance of documentation of current environment setup, standard operating procedures, and best practices
- Management end user accounts, permissions, access rights, and storage allocations in accordance with best practices
- Perform and test system backups and restores
- Anticipate, mitigate, identify, troubleshoot, and correct hardware and software issues on servers, and workstations
- Escalate incidents, as necessary.
IT Specialist
Netboom Technologies
11.2010 - 01.2012
- Build, install, configuration, and support Windows 2008/2008R2/2012 Servers, upgrading Windows Server 2003 to Windows 2008 and 2012/2016 on both physical and virtual machines to ensure server compliance as part of the build process
- Design and Implementation of a migration strategy for consolidating Data Centers as well as creating disaster recovery from around the world to two centralized locations in the US which involve 3000+ servers of various Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 versions
- Configuration and maintenance of MSCS (Microsoft Cluster Server) integrated with VMware RDM feature
- Configuration, maintenance, and support of Microsoft Cluster Server for MSSQL and IIS web servers to maximize uptime and configure active/active and active/passive nodes
- Deployment of security patches, and updates as part of the patching cycle using WSUS and SCCM
- Administering/Supporting production servers/network infrastructure that includes Windows
- Administration of Domain Controllers, Exchange 2003/2010 Mail Servers, DNS, DHCP, NTP, Proxy File and print Servers on Windows 2003/2008/2008R2/2012.
Education
Master of Science - MS - Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Stevens-Henager College
Bachelor of Technology - BTech - Computer Science
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
Skills
- VMware vCenter
- Linux Administration
- Data Center Operations
- Network Administration
- Microsoft Server
- Hyper-V
- Virtualization
- Storage Management
- Server Management
- Operating systems
- Hardware Configuration
- Disaster Recovery
- Technology Support
- Troubleshooting
- Performance Optimization
- Incident Response
- Network configuration
- Data Migration
- Security Protocols
- Microsoft Azure
- Windows Server
- Active Directory
- Infrastructure development
- User Support
Certification
VVMware Certified Professional
Microsoft Server Certified Professional
Accomplishments
Master Degree in Computer Science (Summa cum laude)
Timeline
Data Center Virtualization Engineer
Presidio
06.2018 - Current
Data Center Engineer
Franklin County Data Center (FCDC)
11.2017 - 06.2018
Windows/VMware/ Systems Administrator
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC
07.2017 - 10.2017
Windows Server/VMware Systems Administrator
Total Merchant Services
10.2015 - 05.2017
System Administrator
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
09.2014 - 06.2015
Project Coordinator for Saudi Aramco
SHAHIG COMPANY FOR PETROLEUM, ELECTRICAL & INDUSTRIAL SERVICES
02.2012 - 05.2013
IT Specialist
Netboom Technologies
11.2010 - 01.2012
Master of Science - MS - Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Stevens-Henager College
Bachelor of Technology - BTech - Computer Science
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University