Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline

James A. Powell

Plano,TX

Summary

Dedicated System Engineer adept at cultivating long-term partnerships with vendors and clients. Expertise includes installing, configuring and monitoring complex systems and infrastructures. Offering successful career history comprising more than 20 years.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

System Engineer

OpenText
Addison, TX
05.2016 - Current
  • Primary Escalation point for Software developers and Technical Support staff.
  • Implementing, maintaining and troubleshooting VoIP integration such as Cisco, Avaya and Nortel systems.
  • Perform Cisco CUCM and Avaya Aura upgrades.
  • Development Microsoft Skype for Business test lab for VoIP Recording and Testing.
  • Develop test environment for Cisco CUBE and Avaya Session Border Controller.
  • Assist in design of interfaces that integrate data communications protocols.
  • Administering and monitors phone systems.
  • Backup/Restore configurations related to VoIP systems.
  • Maintains and configures Quality of Service for Voice system.
  • Maintain VOIP labs and test bed environments for application development, troubleshooting and testing.
  • Test, upgrade, monitor, configure, troubleshoot and repair complex hardware and software events to ensure continuous functionality.
  • Install software to specifications pertaining to current or future software development requirements.
  • Install and maintain Microsoft Windows server 2000-2016 and Windows 7, 8.x and Red Hat and Centos Linux operating systems.
  • Troubleshot issues with Windows 2003, 2008R2, 2012R2 and 2016 Servers.
  • Managed and created Active Directory accounts, network shares, and printing services.
  • Spearheaded implementation of Group Policy and Anti-virus.
  • Design, install, configure and administer HP Cloud System Matrix in the HP PPS Software Lab.
  • Apply OpenText and 3rd party technologies to highly complex infrastructure and software solutions.
  • Configure, monitor, maintain the Storage Area Network to include hardware maintenance, performance monitoring, performance tuning, firmware and driver updates.
  • Perform the backup and recovery utilizing HP Data Protector 7.0 – 9.0.
  • Install and manage VMware ESXI 5.0 – 6.x hosts, vSphere 5.5 (vSphere Client and vCenter Server).
  • Perform analysis of functional and business requirements.
  • Contribute to design activities and work closely with local management and global IT staff to design appropriate solutions to solve problems.
  • Install, configure monitor and maintain Tenable Security Center CV.

System Administrator

Hewlett Packard
Plano, TX
04.2015 - 05.2016
  • (VOIP and IPTelephony).
  • Analyze, design, develops and/or configuration scripts and querying objects in voice system and network needs.
  • Assist in design of interfaces that integrate data communications protocols.
  • Configure switch port to connect to VoIP.
  • Administering and monitors phone systems.
  • Backup/Restore configurations related to VoIP systems.
  • Maintains and configures Quality of Service for Voice system.
  • Produce usage report of data connectivity requests on overall IP telephony system interfaces.
  • Provide documentation and presentation of networking and system enhancements of the voice system.
  • Perform repairs, installations, additions, moves, and changes to telecommunications equipment.
  • Implement, configure and troubleshoot DNS (forward & reverse lookup zones, etc.) DHCP and WINS services.
  • Maintain VOIP labs and test bed environments for application development, troubleshooting and testing.
  • Performs repairs, maintenance and upgrades of existing systems using solutions in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Investigates and resolves matters of significance.
  • Primary Escalation point for Software developer.
  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve network problems including network connectivity, traffic utilization, etc.
  • Using available network tools in a timely fashion.
  • Coordinated with other support teams to provide a complete support solution to complex technical problems.
  • Install, configure & manage VMware ESXi 5.x and 6.x Server Infrastructure and its components.
  • Provision, manage and upgrade of guest VMs and templates.
  • Troubleshooting VMware issues, monitoring & root cause analysis.
  • Administration and support of the backups, tape storage, inventory and data replication.
  • Perform installation, configuration and administration of Microsoft Active Directory.
  • Install and deploy Windows and Linux Servers.
  • Evaluate, test, and install new software releases and updates, system upgrades and resolves software related problems.

Sr. System Engineer

Microsoft Corporation
Irving, TX
04.2014 - 04.2015
  • Networking/ Performance& Reliability).
  • Communicate with corporate customers via telephone, written correspondence, or electronic service regarding technically complex escalated problems identified in software products.
  • Windows Active Directory design, installation and troubleshooting on an enterprise level.
  • Manage and troubleshoot Group Policies.
  • Implement, configure and troubleshoot DNS (forward & reverse lookup zones, etc.) DHCP and WINS services.
  • Implement, configure and troubleshoot PKI, DFS (Distributed file system), Routing & remote access, and Direct Access.
  • Provide Tier 3 Support for problems identified with Windows based systems and networking.
  • Installation, configuration and deployment of Hyper-V on Windows 2008 R2 and 2012 R2 servers.
  • Troubleshoot Hyper-V related issues.
  • Maintain several test labs and test bed environments for troubleshooting and testing.
  • Performs repairs, maintenance and upgrades of existing systems using solutions in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • Investigates and resolves matters of significance.
  • Primary Escalation point for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Support Engineers.
  • Identify, diagnose, and resolve network problems including network connectivity, traffic utilization, etc.
  • Using available network tools in a timely fashion.
  • Solve highly complex problems, involving broad, in-depth product knowledge or in-depth product specialty; may include support of additional security technologies.
  • Coordinated with other support teams to provide a complete support solution to complex technical problems.
  • Perform root cause analysis on network issues, reviewed server logs to determine resolution.
  • Skilled at Network Analysis using network capture software such as Microsoft Netmon and Wireshark.
  • Interface with third party vendors as liaison between customer and vendor.
  • Provide advisory information for Infrastructure services in all areas needed: storage networking, Operating System, network security, directory services, server virtualization using system backup and restore, system and network monitoring, application installation and configuration.
  • Innovative and passionate by providing solutions using the latest Microsoft technologies.

Senior IT Administrator & System Analyst

Niagara Conservation Corp
Fort Worth, TX
05.2012 - 05.2014
  • Responsible for the administration of VoIP infrastructure.
  • Responsible for supporting the management, administration of the IT infrastructure and Call center.
  • Coordinate with outside vendors for installation and support of routers, switches, and servers.
  • Perform root cause analysis on network issues, reviewed server logs to determine resolution.
  • Design and implemented Cisco and Meraki equipped wireless networking.
  • Administration of Exchange 2010 server, Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2.
  • Create and manage Users & Groups and their Profiles - Roaming & Mandatory.
  • Create and manage Origination Units, Sites and Group Policies.
  • Troubleshoot Group Polices related issues.
  • Proficient in installing, configuring, troubleshooting of Exchange Server 2003 / 2010 and clusters configuration.
  • Day to day administration, support and monitoring of the MS Exchange infrastructure.
  • Message tracking and troubleshooting to resolve mail delivery issues.
  • Troubleshoot issues with ActiveSync, Outlook Web Access (OWA) and other related services.
  • Troubleshooting Exchange Database problems.
  • Performing restores.
  • Public Folder creation, replication and rights management.
  • Maintaining Exchange Anti-virus software.
  • Supporting Enterprise Anti-SPAM solutions - CanIt.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot Blackberry Enterprise server 4.1 and Hand-held devices (Apple IPhones and IPads).
  • Administration and support of VMware infrastructure.
  • Installation, configuration and deployment of VMware products such as VMware Workstation, VMware converter, VMware View, and more in virtual environment.
  • Responsible for successfully upgrading all hosts and vCenter servers to vSphere 5.5.
  • Reconfigured all ESX network connectivity utilization including VLAN tagging and teaming and also the configuration of many vSwitches with 802.1q VLAN tagging, EMC (VNX), NetApp) storage technology and work with SANs in VMware environments.
  • Good experience in migrating production VMs using Storage vMotion to new Datacenter with zero downtime.
  • Good experience in configuration of iSCSI storage box with the help of Openfiler.
  • Experience in troubleshooting SAN related issues and firmware upgrade of SANs in VMware and different environments.
  • Design and Plan Upgrade to vSphere 5.5.
  • Involved in DR design and planning.
  • Test and recommend Replication/Backup solutions for VMware, SAN and Disaster Recovery.
  • Provision VMware Datastore’s and configure storage for Virtual Machines.
  • Perform various Physical to Virtual server conversations.
  • Perform capacity planning for both LAN and WAN services.
  • Administer and maintained complex heterogeneous multi-site IT network.
  • Provide Level 1 and Level 2 end user support.
  • Perform System re-builds, Malware/Virus removal, full system and Hard Disc Cloning, Patch Management.
  • Provide Remote office setup and support for end users.
  • Perform workstation deployment, troubleshoot, repair, install and reconfigure hardware for workstations, notebooks.
  • Replace hard drives, motherboards, modems, memory, PCMCIA devices, as needed.
  • Troubleshoot and correct client workstation configuration (hardware and software) problems, operating system issues, and network printing issues.
  • Perform Backup/Disaster Recovery.
  • Develop and setup redundancy on all critical systems and services (Internet and servers).

Network Manager

Nexus Recovery Center
Dallas, TX
05.2000 - 04.2012
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of data processing hardware/software, including LAN/WAN/WLAN.
  • Planned, designed, and implemented networked systems, including configurations, supporting/troubleshooting.
  • Coordinated with outside vendors for installation and support of routers, switches, and servers.
  • Served as HIPAA Compliance Officer.
  • Authored company Network and Internet usage, Security policies and Technology Plan.
  • Performed root cause analysis on network issues, reviewed server logs to determine resolution.
  • Designed and implemented Cisco equipped wireless network.
  • Installed, configured and managed Exchange server, Windows Server, and Lotus Domino Server.
  • Knowledge of Network Management tools to resolve network issues.
  • Design and build WAN infrastructures using full and fractional T1 services, VPN or Broadband services.
  • Researched VOIP infrastructures to replace aging NEC PBX infrastructure.
  • Performed capacity planning for both LAN and WAN services.
  • Administered and maintained complex heterogeneous multi-site IT network.
  • Performed Backup/Disaster Recovery drills.
  • Developed and setup redundancy on all critical systems and services (Internet and servers).
  • Performed various Physical to Virtual server conversations.
  • Performed System re-builds, Malware/Virus removal, full system and Hard Disc Cloning, Patch Management.
  • Provided Remote office setup and support for 20 end users.
  • Conducted onsite computer and technology training for 100+ end users.
  • Mentored local college students in IT operations and functions.
  • Installed, configured and managed RIM BlackBerry Enterprise Server for 10+ users.
  • Provided Cell phone and mobile device management and remote conference operation support.
  • Maintained a custom database to catalog and track workstation/laptop and maintain inventory system.
  • Worked on Digital Imaging of Client and Office records.
  • Provided end user support for a 100+ user office and our remote offices.

Education

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  • Linux System Administration, Eastfield College
  • CCENT – Cisco

Skills

Operating System: Linux- Red Hat, Centos, Windows 2000 Professional – Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 2000-2016 Server, SBS 2003/2008, Exchange 2003/2007/2010/2013, SQL Server 2008-2016, Netware 5x/65, Novell Open Enterprise ServerHardware: HP 3PAR, HP C7000 series, Cisco Routers and Catalyst Switch 1900 & 2900 Series, Adtran NetVanta 3200 routers, SonicWALL Security Appliances (Pro 200, Pro 2040 and TZ 170), Sun Fire X4100 x64 Blade Server, Dell Power Edge Servers, HP servers, Dell PowerVault 100T DDS4 Tape Drive, Dell HP and IBM laptops and workstationsNetworking: LAN/WAN, WLAN, VPN, Microsoft Direct Access, TCP/IP, IPsec, DHCP, DNS, WINS, RRAS, HNV, BGP, OSPF, RIP VOIP, SIP, SCCP, MGCP, H323Software: Microsoft Office 2000- 20016 Professional, Office 365, Remedy 21, Microsoft CRM, Lotus Domino server 4x & R5, Lotus Notes R5, HP Data Protector 9x, HP SiteScope 11x, Symantec Backup Exec, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Microsoft Hyper – V, VMware Workstation and Server, ESXi 5x and 6x server, vSphere 5x and 6xLanguages: Power Shell, Batch FileActive DirectoryAnti-virusAppleApplication developmentAvayaBackup ExecBackupBGPBroadbandCall centerCapacity planningCatalogCiscoCisco RoutersHardwareControllerCRMClientData communicationsDDS4Data processingDatabaseDeliveryDellDHCPDigital ImagingDisaster RecoveryDNSDocumentationEdgeFashionFunctionalHard drivesHPHP serversIBMInternet usageInventoryIPLANNotebooksLaptopsLinuxLotus DominoLotus NotesMemoryAccessExchangeMS ExchangeExchange ServerMailOfficeMicrosoft Office 2000OutlookMicrosoft technologiesMicrosoft WindowsWindows 7Windows 2000Network AnalysisNetwork securityNetworkingOperating systemsOSPFPBXPhone systemsProtocolsRed HatRIPRoutersRoutingStorage Area NetworkSANServersScriptsShellSoftware developmentSQL ServerSwitchesSystem AdministrationT1TCP/IPUser supportTechnical SupportTelecommunicationsTelephonyTroubleshootingUpgradesUpgradeVOIPVPNWANWindows 2000 ProfessionalWritten

Accomplishments

  • Experience working with VoIP protocols such as Skinny Client Control Protocol (SCCP), Session Initiated Protocol (SIP), H.323 and Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP).
  • Experience in planning, design and deployment experience with Voice solutions such as UC on UCS, Cisco Unified Call Manager (CUCM), Cisco Unity Connection, Cisco Voice Portal (CVP), Avaya Aura system components (System, Communication and Session Manager, Session Border Controller), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Trunks, Voice Gateways, PSTN Trunks.
  • T1/E1, and other data communication systems.
  • Skilled administrator for Microsoft Windows Server 2000/2003/2008 R2 /2012 R2/2016 as well as was an understanding of Linux.
  • I’m experience with Exchange 2003/2007 / 2010 server setup, configuration and administration.
  • Experience in server setup and configuration including, but not limited to, RAID setup, WSUS, patch management, backups and disaster/recovery.
  • Skilled with server and workstation consolidation using virtualization software such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper V.
  • Skilled at both server and workstation software and hardware upgrades.
  • Proficient with the use of software for workstation and server cloning and system imaging.
  • Develop and maintain IT disaster recovery plan for LAN/WAN environments.

Timeline

System Engineer - OpenText
05.2016 - Current
System Administrator - Hewlett Packard
04.2015 - 05.2016
Sr. System Engineer - Microsoft Corporation
04.2014 - 04.2015
Senior IT Administrator & System Analyst - Niagara Conservation Corp
05.2012 - 05.2014
Network Manager - Nexus Recovery Center
05.2000 - 04.2012
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James A. Powell