Vamshidhar A

• Led the management of hybrid IT environments (Azure and VMware), ensuring 99.9% uptime and compliance with ISO 27001 and CIS standards. • Managed core infrastructure (VMware clusters, storage, Exchange, AD, email gateways, antivirus, backups, disaster recovery) ensuring high availability and data protection. • Managed email security gateways, privileged access management (PAM) solutions, and SIEM tools, including coordination with vendor support. • Enforced security measures (patching, group policy updates, system hardening), resolving audit findings within 72 hours. • Provided Tier 3 support, cutting resolution times by 30% through root-cause analysis of server, network, and cloud issues. • Led infrastructure upgrades with vendors, improving network performance by 40% and reducing downtime. • Achieved 20% cost savings through workload optimization and vendor negotiations. • Used Change Request Forms (CRFs) to document and approve infrastructure changes, minimizing risks. • Followed implementation plans for system updates and migrations, ensuring minimal disruption. • Applied Service Operation Procedures (SOPs) to standardize incident response. • Analyzed incident reports to identify trends and improve support processes. • Mentored junior engineers and ensured compliance with IT policies and standards. • Collaborated with leadership to align IT strategies with business goals, enhancing service delivery.

• Managed IT infrastructure to meet client needs and ensure all objectives were delivered on time. • Administered Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, optimizing performance and reliability. • Worked closely with vendors to ensure client requirements were met. • Oversaw daily IT department operations, ensuring functionality, availability, and security of IT systems. • Managed the IT team at the client site, handled escalations, and troubleshot and remediated issues as they arose. • Monitored SLA compliance with vendors and ensured quality assurance in IT operations. • Maintained design and change documentation.

• Implemented and managed Azure infrastructure, including Azure VMs, Site-to-Site VPN, Azure Firewall, routing tables, Storagev2, Host pools, Virtual Machine Scale Sets, Log Analytics Workspace, Conditional Access policies, RBAC roles, Azure Backup, and Recovery Services Vault. • Implemented and managed Azure Storage, including file shares and file sync. • Managed NSGs and Azure Firewall policies, creating application and network rules as required. • Configured IDPS signature rules on Azure Firewall policies as per requirements. • Managed Log Analytics Workspace to collect logs from Azure VMs and Azure Firewall, using workbooks and creating customized dashboards as needed. • Administered FSLogix User Profiles in the Azure WVD/VDI environment. • Implemented Azure Disk Encryption using Key Vault. • Configured Conditional Access policies for identity management. • Controlled access to resources using Azure RBAC. • Implemented Azure VDI Host Pools and published applications.

• Managed IT infrastructure (servers, both on-premises and cloud, SAN storage, firewalls, switches, CCTV, access controls, phone systems, antivirus, backup, Office 365, POS) across UAE and Saudi Arabia with over 2,000 users. • Performed IT security risk assessments regularly and working on mitigating vulnerabilities. • Collaborated with the Group Security Department and Area IT Manager to fine-tune local IT policies and procedures, including IT Security Policy, Incident Management Policy, Change Management Policy, and User Awareness and Training policies and procedures. • Developed project plans for IT infrastructure updates. • Enhanced system security through the development of access controls and continuous monitoring. • Ensured IT business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities while ensuring compliance with audit observations. • Proactively monitored network devices and servers to ensure 24x7 availability of operations. • Handled and managed assets, maintained inventory, and liaised with vendors. Key Projects • IT Network Infrastructure Upgrade: Recommended, designed, and implemented a High Availability (HA) network infrastructure, incorporating multiple internet connections, firewalls, and Cisco Layer 3 switches • Virtualization and Storage Solutions: Installed and configured Hyper-V and VMware clusters with SAN Fibre Channel (FC) storage, successfully migrating physical servers—including Active Directory, file servers, Exchange servers, application servers, and database servers—to a virtualized environment.. • Centralized Monitoring and Automation Implementation: Deployed a remote monitoring and management solution across over 2,000 devices for event monitoring, patch management, and asset management • Implementation of Ticketing System: Implemented the ManageEngine ticketing system for critical IT alerts and end-user IT requests

• Managed IT infrastructure (servers, SAN storage, routers, switches, AV, backup) for clients across various sectors. • Prepared and analyzed monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports on infrastructure health and cybersecurity, fine-tuning processes based on findings. • Proactively monitored network flow and server performance (event logs, services) to ensure 24/7 operational availability and integrity through preventive maintenance and upgrades. • Conducted regular vulnerability assessments using tools to identify and remediate potential risks. • Led a team, handling escalated issues from helpdesk (L1) and technical engineers (L2). • Performed daily backup operations with various backup software, ensuring successful backups of file systems and system data to appropriate media or cloud. • Implemented and monitored antivirus solutions, including proxy and content filters. • Developed and managed project plans for technical deliverables, ensuring adherence to budget and timeline. Key Projects (Multiple Clients) • Centralized IT Infrastructure and Cloud Migration: Centralized the Active Directory infrastructure at the head office, deploying read-only domain controllers (RODCs) at branch offices to enhance security and reduce administrative overhead. Configured site-to-site VPNs to ensure secure and reliable communication between the head office and branch locations. Implemented and managed file server replication, Exchange Server Database Availability Group (DAG), SQL database clustering, and antivirus solutions, alongside comprehensive backup systems to ensure data integrity and availability. Additionally, supported cloud migration initiatives to modernize and optimize IT operations. • Virtualization and Storage Solutions: Installed and configured Hyper-V and VMware clusters with SAN Fibre Channel (FC) storage, successfully migrating physical servers—including Active Directory, file servers, Exchange servers, application servers, and database servers—to a virtualized environment.. • Active Directory and Exchange Migrations: Upgraded Active Directory servers, executed on-premises Exchange server migrations, and facilitated the transition from on-premises Exchange to Office 365. • Security Infrastructure Implementation: Deployed UTM firewalls with advanced security policies and configured VLAN restrictions on Layer 3 switches. Implemented wireless solutions and network/server monitoring tools. Conducted comprehensive security vulnerability assessments. Additionally, implemented email security solutions using Trustwave MailMarshal and Barracuda to protect against phishing, malware, and spam. • Centralized Monitoring and Automation Implementation: Implemented remote monitoring tools using Kaseya, ManageEngine, and Datto for centralized monitoring of server performance, network traffic, backups, and antivirus status. Developed patch approval policies and managed the distribution of third-party software. Additionally, automated tasks using PowerShell and command line scripts to enhance efficiency and streamline operations across these tools.