Previous employment
Mekon Limited January 2010 - present
Mekon are the UK’s leading systems integrators. Reporting to Project Manager, responsibilities included managing and overhauling the company’s aging IT system and 136 Virtual Machines … maintaining the company’s websites and servers … implementing a strict back-up procedure … and providing support to both office and remote users who were using Microsoft ISA, SharePoint 2010 Server and Microsoft SQL 2000 and 2005.
Major Achievements:
• Consolidated several critical guest virtual machines hosted on VMware and Microsoft Virtual Servers onto one VMware 3SXii v4 RAID Server as well as consolidating the hardware servers running Windows server 2000 & 2003 server operating systems that had no RAID system.
• Created a new improved backup policy and ensured several critical web servers were backed-up correctly and securely at the company’s two main sites.
• Implemented and installed low cost imaging technology to back-up critical servers for fast recovery and utilised VSS (The volume Shadow Copy Service) with Windows Backup utility for others.
• Eliminated server and network downtime and provided better recovery infrastructure by changing the company’s Exchange server and hiring a hosting company to provide the on-going service.
• Completed a detailed daily analysis of event logs preventing major incidents and administered all aspects of the Microsoft Windows infrastructure and Active Directory.
Crocus January 2008 - September 2009
A website specialising in garden plants, garden furniture and machinery, with gardening advice from expert gardeners. Reporting to the IT Project Manager, responsibilities included overseeing the Windows network infrastructure … repairing and maintaining twenty Dell and Sentral Systems servers, the Cisco and Dell Managed Switches, HP Printers and Dell Workstations and cable infrastructure … installing network ethernet and optical cabling … administering the DrayTek VigorPro 5510 Unified Security Firewall … maintaining the TCP/IP Network … administering a native Windows 2003 domain and Small Business Server 2003 R2 … administering the wireless network Infrastructure and connecting laptops and Motorola Symbol PT880 Pocket PCs (in warehouse) used for barcode scanning … managing Index PBX system office telephones including routing and communicating with supplier … creating and setting up Virtual Machines on VMware Server … liaising with IT suppliers … and maintaining network security.
Major Achievements:
• Used state-of-the-art technology to streamline the picking, packaging and delivery processes with three well-known parcel couriers on a large network infrastructure at the warehouse and distribution centre.
• Worked with MS Small Business Server 2003 R2, administering and maintaining Exchange Server (including extensive remote connectivity) for Crocus's sister company whilst serving users who are constantly mobile.
• Managed the network infrastructure of the live website on a different site in Central London where three web servers are load balancing and two MS SQL 200 servers serving websites.
KYE SYSTEMS UK LIMITED jULY 1997 - September 2009
A computer peripherals manufacturer. Reporting to the Deputy Director, responsibilities include building, maintaining, and administrating computer and computer networks whilst managing the Returns Merchandise Authorisation processes for goods sold. Manage two staff.
Major Achievements:
• Ensured fast and accurate reporting and resolved customer enquiries promptly by streamlining the RMA process through setting up an RMA database using MS SQL on the back end and Access XP for the front end.
• Building and maintaining applying additional security and control over Dell client workstations and Servers, by designing, setting up and delivering a MS Server Domain infrastructures
• Providing 3rd Line Technical support for end users and professionals alike.
Professional skills
Network Management & Maintenance
• Managing Windows 2000, 2003 & 2008 Domain Servers, encompassing as many as over 100 connected devices, including 2K\XP\Vista\7\Mac clients
• Resolving WAN, LAN and Wireless LAN issues in a quick and efficient manner.
• Providing hands on administration for Small Business Server R2 including Exchange 2003.
• Monitoring MS IIS Servers to ensure they are working to capacity and at optimum loads.
• Using VMware 3SXi v4 to reduce computer hardware costs throughout the enterprise.
Access and Database Management
• Controlling access to networks and protect workstations and servers from virus and spam intrusions using client\server software.
• Implementing and managing MS SQL 2000 & 2005 server databases.
• Recovering database systems and restoring transaction logs or making complete restores from previous backups.
General System Maintenance & Administration
• Troubleshooting Dell and HP computer systems, routers, switches and printers, and building and extending computer wireless networks with more than 10 years of experience.
• Supporting users on client machines with any hardware performance issues and software issues they may have using WhatsUp Gold and PRTG Network Monitoring.
• Creating offsite system backups and upgrading system software as needed.
• Implementing disaster recovery using software like Acronis True Image Echo Workstation \ Enterprise Server and Universal Restore and Symantec Ghost.
Management & Development
• Organising the IT department to achieve maximum efficiency and productivity by continuously monitoring the processes and looking for improvements.
• Understanding staff strengths and weaknesses and applying that understanding to delegate tasks to the correct role and maximise productivity.
• Reviewing changing technologies via the Internet, computer journals and subscripted emails to simplify and improve business IT infrastructure with improved hardware and system updates.
Education
MCP: Server 2000 ... 2000 Professional ... 2000 Administration and Configuration ... Network Essentials Certification
Other courses attended include:
- Microsoft: Managing a Windows 2000 Network Environment ... Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft 2000 Workstation ... Installing, Configuring and Administering Windows 2000 Server
- Other Computing: Core LAN and WAN Technologies... Introduction to Computer Networks ... Computer Repair Down to Component Level
- Three O-Levels … Two CSEs , Christopher Wren School, Shepherds Bush, West London, 1977
