ayman sammour

Working for QNB has given me a direct knowledge into the banking sector, such a very critical and demanding environment which used to be purely physical, decentralised, and an unconsolidated environment. I have successfully introduced the Virtualisation concept to the bank, now we have a more than 75% virtual, centralised and consolidated environment. Using the SAN replication with VMWare SRM (Site Recovery Manager) technology we reduced the switch over of any system from production to DR to minutes. Similarly we maintain the Virtual environment backups using Symantec NetBackup.

• Fully responsible for the Virtual infrastructure. Including; installing, configuring, troubleshooting, writing full technical specifications, and producing detailed policies and procedures.
• Provide day-to-day support and maintenance, including adding new servers and editing existing ones.
• Maintain the DR and Production site synchronisation, including creating protection groups, failover plans and DR periodic testing.
• Responsible for keeping the Host and VM up-to-date with the latest security patches.
• Provide 3rd-level support for operational Windows Server based systems, including monitoring, identifying any need for preventive or remedial maintenance throughout the use of diagnostic tools.
• Administer the 3PAR SAN, Create, Tune, maintain LUN’s CPGs, Remote copy groups and troubleshoot performance related issues with hosts.
• Administer and manage the day to day operations of NetBackup environment.
• Test and verify backups periodically
• Configure policies and clients as needed
• Responsible monitoring and reporting applications such as Symantec Opscenter Analytics.
• Manage all project development stages from beginning to end and provide technical specification documents
• Define project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with senior management, and stakeholders.
• Maintain processes to ensure project management documentation, reports and plans are relevant, accurate and complete.

While working for Cleveland Fire Brigade I had a wide range of responsibilities, and was exposed to various technologies. Between the Headquarters and their 15 remote sites. Some of these technologies were Windows 2003/8/ servers, MS Exchange 2003, ISA 2004, VMWARE, Citrix Presentation Server, Symantec Backup exec 11d, System Recovery Server, Symantec Continuous Backup Protection Server 11d, DHCP, DNS, McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator, and WebSense.

• Create and document cooperate backup and recovery policies, and ensure that all data is securely backed up, and perform backup verification tests periodically.
• Write technical specifications for purchases of ICT equipment’s.
• Install, configure, test, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot all ICT equipment, including Networked devices, cabling and manage server’s infrastructure and their associated operating systems and software.
• Manage and maintain DNS, DHCP and Active directory, including user groups permissions, password resets, Active Directory & Groups Policies
• Maintain the organisation’s data, and file servers including folders structure, access and permissions, and data provisioning, and backup.
• Recommend, test, and introduce new solutions and improvements for long term business objectives.
• Manage and support the Citrix Presentation Server 4.0, including remote access, user’s profiles and published applications.
• Monitor backups, rotate tapes and troubleshoot any failed tasks using Symantec backup’s exec 11d.
• Install and configure Symantec Continuous Backup Protection Server, and provide users access.
• Maintain and manage the exchange 2003 user’s mail boxes and public folders.
• Monitor and create policies using McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator, and generate reports for management
• Create and manage access roles on ISA 2004.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date technical documentation related to Windows based systems including operational requirement and release management plan.
• Participate in the design and preparation of recovery and contingency exercises to ensure that Data Centre Operations can recover systems in accordance Cleveland Fire Brigade RTO and RPO
• Manage and administer VMware GSX environment

While working for the NHS, I was part of a team working to rollout Windows XP across the Middlesbrough Primary Trust, whilst providing full functional services for users and managing the helpdesk system, diagnosing faults, problems and rectifying them remotely where applicable. Some of these responsibilities included;

•Provide desktop support for windows98/2000/XP, MS applications, and all network peripherals.
• Logging, prioritising and escalating calls.
• Ensure that daily, weekly, and monthly statistics, status reports, and graphical reporting aids are completed and continually modified to meet the needs of the department
• Respond to helpdesk calls within SLA.
• Deal with and resolve helpdesk requests e.g. adding users, Active Directory updates, and general IT trouble shooting.
• Troubleshoot end-user hardware, operating system, basic network, and server access problems providing resolutions where possible.
• Contribute to production of standard configurations, documentation and procedures in order to streamline processes and produce efficiencies within the Middlesbrough PCT.

Working for the Baker Business Centre was a great experience and a valuable personal development for me. This project was supported and sponsored by Middlesbrough Borough Council and local business in the community which Aimed to; provide better job opportunities for members of the local community through computer training.

• Ensure project complies with the requirements of all funders including completion of all monitoring forms, maintenance of records and adherence to all publicity regulations.
• At all times maintain full and appropriate records for funding, administrative and accounting purposes.
• Provide monthly progress reports to the Director and Board Members. Maintaining records of expenditure, accounting, costing and billing.
• Identify resources needed and assign individual responsibilities.
• Manage the day-to-day operational aspects of a project.
• Train the individuals in software including MS Office, and windows.
• Prepare hand-outs on different programs for the convenience of students
• Provide a full technical support for the centre including the AD, and DNS servers
• Ensure that all staff are focused, and committed to, achieving targets and other key performance indicators.

During my work at BP, I have gained indispensable experience, The Seal Sands Site, and the Aberdeen Sites were the first sites in the country to rollout Windows 95. Furthermore the new technology introduced required new servers and UPS’s. I was awarded a “Certificate of Outstanding Achievement in recognition of commitment beyond remit, and effective teamwork and technical competency” in this role. My responsibilities also included;

• Responsible for writing full specification for two 8 Hours UPS’s for the Main IT and Telecom rooms and supervise the design and installation.
• Responsible for first, second and third line of support.
• Manage and maintain ICT assets and resolved faults with hardware or software
• Installing Printers, phones, PC’s / laptops, and Windows NT servers.
• Providing assistance and advice to staff regarding use of hardware and software
• Analyse, research and evaluate all areas of PC, Windows operating system(s), standard/non-standard software and peripheral technology in order to recommend new developments to all service areas and members within a given budget.