Ghandi Tarabay

Directed all IT operations and projects for Staybridge Suites Beirut, an InterContinental Hotels Group property, with additional responsibilities in managing the hotel's Social Media accounts and online ads from 2019 to 2021

Key Achievements:
• Led IT project management since the hotel’s pre-opening, overseeing the successful implementation of critical systems and technologies, including server hardware and software, server virtualization (Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware)
• Operating System setup (Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022 and Windows 10 and 11)
• Backup software installation, configuration and monitoring (Veeam Backup and Replication)
• Planning and preparing the environment for the hotel’s software installation such as Oracle Opera (Property Management System and Reservations System), SUN Accounting System, Payroll and attendance system, File Server, Active Directory
• Ensured compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), which incorporates the implementation of the latest security trends for keeping data secure, especially stored cardholder data
• Staying up to date in terms of all Windows, software updates, and security patches and swiftly applying necessary fixes to address any potential hardware or software vulnerabilities as they emerge.
• Forecasted, procured, and implemented all hardware and network upgrades according to InterContinental Hotels Group standards while maintaining a secure and efficient environment
• Managed hardware and software maintenance for employee computers, promptly identifying and reporting security breaches or misuse.
• Provided comprehensive and proactive software maintenance and support services for hotel software, including Oracle Opera (Property Management System), Telephony, IP TV, Procurement, Accounting, CCTV, Payroll, and HR systems.
• Conducted regular training sessions for colleagues and newcomers on data privacy, security best practices, and efficient use of hotel systems.
• Proficiently handled hardware and software configuration and maintenance for various systems, including Servers, Avaya IP Telephony, LG IP TV, Networking (Avaya), WiFi (Avaya, HP Aruba, and Grandstream), and Veeam Backup and Replication, as well as Cisco Meraki MX85.

Filled in as the IT Manager during the hotel's reopening phase following a 2-year closure due to the Beirut port explosion.

Key Achievements:

• led the revitalization of the hotel's IT ecosystem, ensuring a seamless transition during the reopening phase.
• Identified cost-saving opportunities by optimizing IT operations and reviving old hardware and software while ensuring their optimal functionality and stability.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate IT solutions and provide seamless support to various hotel departments ensuring minimal disruptions

- Promoted Digital Literacy through the ICDL (International Computer Driving License) Certification Programs in Private and Educational sectors in Lebanon
- Created and maintained strategic relationships with key organizations to serve the Lebanese community in building a digital society, and adopting the policies and procedures of the ICDL Digital Literacy Standard
- Worked closely with governmental bodies, and organizations that have influence on Digital Literacy initiatives in Lebanon
- Participated in events, workshops and conferences to present and promote ICDL

• Hardware and software configuration and maintenance for: Servers, Cisco IP Telephony, IP TV, networking (Cisco systems), Cisco wireless access points, HP Data Protector (back-up system), computers (Operating system and software implementation), printers and fax machines
• Software maintenance and support for various hotel software, such as: Oracle Opera (Property Management System and Reservations System), Cisco Phone Manager, FBM (Procurement system), MICROS Systems' POS point of sale software and hardware, SUN Accounting system,
• Managed Microsoft Surface project for Concierge, which aims at simplifying the guests’ tourism directions and providing them with accurate locations