Head of Network Services
National Bank of Kuwait
Total years of experience :32 years, 6 months
Having 20+ years IT experience in designing, implementing and managing complicated LAN/WAN, Server maintenance and PC installation. I have continuously updated my knowledge and skills, and have certified with Cisco, Microsoft and Novell. The certifications I hold are CCNP, MCSE and CNE. Currently working at National Bank of Kuwait, designing/implementing and maintaining the LAN/Man/Wan & Datacenter infrastructure of the bank. Managing the Network Services team comprising 10 Network Engineers. Reporting ot the head of service delivery, and deputy CIO. Was instrumental in revising a Branch network upgrade plan, and proposed a different design that increases efficiency and reduced cost of the project by US$ 5 million. Implementing change managemenet, transition management, incident management processes based on ITIL. Implemented Voice Over IP on the Bank's Data network, that improved productivity of the organization. Implemented IP telephony, with Cisco call manager and Cisco Unity. Designed the dial plan, and the network infrastructure for IP telephony. Designed the Gigabit Ethernet Backbone, with detailed planning of the Spanning tree, VLANs, Load Balancing and HSRP. Installed and Configured the Cisco 6500, 4500, 3700, 3500, 2900 series switches. Extensive configuration and troubleshooting knowledge on 7200, 7500 and IS series routers, wide range of Ethernet switches, and voice gateways. Having extensive experience in TCP/IP, VLANs, Routing, WAN Protocols, Connectivity to Legacy systems and Microsoft Networks. Working in the project team for implementing IP contact center, to replace the existing legacy call-center. Currently working with Cisco partners on a proposal to the higher management, to implement wirelss LAN in the bank. I am very good at troubleshooting networking problems with experience in packet capturing and analyzing at frames level using Sniffer. I am a logical thinker, this has helped me fix many challenging problems that others were unable to troubleshoot. Working closely with IT governence unit to ensure compliance with ITIL standards.
Participated in preparing RFPs, evaluating and analyzing proposals for many critical projects like the Gigabit Ethernet Backbone, IP telephony and the new Contact Center.
Worked as a part time Systems Consultant for Le Meridien Kuwait. I carried out the duties of the Systems Manager single handedly at this five star hotel. Successfully implemented Internet connectivity to all the rooms of the hotel, which put the Hotel ahead of all competitors in the country. Introduced email to the hotel management, at the early days of Internet in the country. I maintained the network comprising of Novell 3.11, Restaurant management system and Hotel management software.
Was part of the 5 member Hardware/Network Support (HNS) team. Our task was to provide support to around 600 users in about 15 sites. I was maintaining the connections to the remote sites as well as the LAN in the remote sites at all levels. I initiated and implemented a project to re-arrange the LAN which was not planned properly, and was not load balanced. Upon completion of this task the uptime and performance increased dramatically. I was administering the NT and Novell servers. Played an important role in introducing Internet to the organization, when Internet was introduced to the country.
Was responsible for maintaining a network of about 25 terminals, with 10 BaseT, 10 Base5 cabling. Introduced Windows based application, where all applications were DOS based when I joined the organization. Trained all staff on Windows and Windows based applications. Replaced many manual systems in the Personnel department and the Stores, with my own software packages. A remote connection was maintained between the server in the resort and the reservation center downtown. I was doing the complete maintenance of the computer systems and Network and was supporting Windows, Word and Excel.
Assembling personal computers and loading operating systems. Carrying out support at customer sites. Repairing computers and monitors. And maintaining the network at the parent company
Working as a customer support engineer for the IBM and AST distributors in Sri Lanka I gained
experience in areas ranging from basic computer installation and configuration to networks
installation and maintenance. Initially my work included installing, Loading Operating Systems
and configuring computers. Later I was assigned to installation and trouble shooting of Hardware,
Software and Ethernet, Token Ring Networks.
Successfully Completed the MSc with final dissertation on how companies in the middle east are benefitting or failing to benefit from Unified Communications. Awaiting the receipt of MSc degree from UoW
Passed Engineering council examinations Part 1 and Part 2, which is recognized as equivalent to a Bachelors degree in UK.