Frank Merfalen
Riverside
Summary
Results-driven IT professional with 25 years of experience in Systems and Network Administration, specializing in Windows and Linux servers, and Cisco Appliances. Proven expertise in leading global teams, particularly in EMC backup appliance support, while resolving complex networking, software, and hardware issues. Exceptional communicator adept at engaging with organizations of all sizes, fostering collaboration across diverse teams.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Systems Administrator
All-In-One
05.2017 - Current
- Led successful implementation of Avamar 19.4 and Data Domain for enterprise backups.
- Ensured comprehensive backup of all corporate SQL servers, servers, and workstations.
- Provided ongoing support for VMware 6.0 and all associated SAN servers.
- Managed EMC Unity all-flash storage, VNX5500, CX300, and CX120 systems effectively.
- Utilized Solarwinds LEM to monitor and enhance data protection processes.
- Administered Avamar 19.3, Avamar AVE, and Avamar Recovery Point solutions for data integrity.
- Implemented Data Domain 6.1 for efficient data storage and backup workflows.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance backup strategies and disaster recovery planning.
Sr. System Administrator
NicPartnersINC
06.2015 - 04.2017
- Enhanced user support for 60 individuals, ensuring efficient IT operations.
- Managed daily internal network operations using VMware 5.5 and VNXE 5500.
- Supported Windows servers, CRM, and SQL server for smooth functionality.
- Implemented Windows WSUS for timely updates across all user systems.
- Administered Active Directory print servers to ensure reliable printing services.
- Contracted as Systems Administrator for Rancho Santa Fe Irrigation network operations.
- Configured Cisco switches and managed call manager for optimized communications.
- Currently supporting 100 users as Network Administrator at Nic Partners.
Team lead of 30 level1 and level2 support Engineers
Avamar Technology
02.2006 - 03.2014
- Enhanced backup solutions on LINUX clusters for efficient disk-based backups.
- Led 30-level support engineers, improving response times and team efficiency.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to resolve server and client bugs swiftly.
- Managed Linux Clusters hosting Avamar software for optimal performance and reliability.
- Oversaw customer installations and support, ensuring seamless service delivery.
- Provided comprehensive support for UNIX flavors and Windows-based product environments.
Sr. Systems Administrator
Titan Corp
05.2005 - 01.2006
- Support Linux Enterprise servers for US Customs.
- Maintain radar systems on a LINUX servers and wrkstns for local and remote locations. Also maintain all backups and SANS server.
Network Field Administrator
Spectrum Technologies
06.2004 - 04.2005
- Enhanced server performance by supporting Spectrum ISP servers and network services.
- Provided technical support for mail servers and client phone assistance.
- Coordinated projects with clients to design and maintain client/server networks.
- Served all wireless Internet customers, ensuring connectivity and service satisfaction.
- Developed and installed client-server applications to optimize user experience.
System Administrator
Starcrest Products
01.2002 - 07.2003
- Supported 7 Windows 2000 Servers and 34 UNIX servers for optimal performance.
- Secured multiple subnets through ACLs with Foundry's FastIron Layer 3 switch.
- Implemented Nagios for robust network monitoring and performance tracking.
- Utilized Bourne and Bash shell scripting for system automation tasks.
- Managed web traffic with Websense before transitioning to Squid and SquidGuard.
- Provided email support for 200 users using Rockcliffe mail server effectively.
Product Manager of Network Components
D-Link Systems
05.2000 - 11.2001
- Managed product lifecycle for high-end network devices, ensuring timely releases.
- Coordinated schedules, status reports, and timelines for all product launches.
- Facilitated communication among engineers, vendors, and product managers to enhance collaboration.
- Conducted compatibility testing across major operating systems, improving device functionality.
- Resolved escalated customer issues by collaborating with engineers in Taiwan.
Education
Skills
- Server Applications: Windows Terminal Server, EMC:Avamar Cluster disk base data Deduplication, Sharepoint 2013 and Nagios Network Analyzer, What’s Up Gold EMC Unity SAN, Networker
- Network Security: Tripwire, Websense, Squid/SquidGuard Proxy Server, Cisco Web Security Appliance
- Cisco Email Security Appliance Cisco ASA, Cisco ACS Radius server, Unity San server, VNX5500
- CX-300, CX-120 and Data Domain San Servers
- Operating Systems: Windows 2019 Server Red HatLINUX Enterprise Server, Sophos, Nutanix, vmware 65
- Backup Software: Veritas Backup exec, Retrospect backup, Yosemite Tapeware backup, EMC Backup Appliances, Veeam 90, Solarwinds LEM Avamar/Data Domain, hycu, Druva
- Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Office, Vista, Visio, Microsoft Projects
- Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Accomplishments
Supported Avamar and Data Domain on prem with vmware and in AWS. Support Nutanix AHV with Prism and HYCU with Exagrid. Provided 100% data availablity
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Sr. Systems Administrator
All-In-One
05.2017 - Current
Sr. System Administrator
NicPartnersINC
06.2015 - 04.2017
Team lead of 30 level1 and level2 support Engineers
Avamar Technology
02.2006 - 03.2014
Sr. Systems Administrator
Titan Corp
05.2005 - 01.2006
Network Field Administrator
Spectrum Technologies
06.2004 - 04.2005
System Administrator
Starcrest Products
01.2002 - 07.2003
Product Manager of Network Components
D-Link Systems
05.2000 - 11.2001