Senior Linux/Windows Systems Administrator
Ministry of Higher Education (NELC)
Total years of experience :31 years, 8 Months
Accomplishments:
• Functioned as subject matter expert on implementing and supporting Linux across the enterprise.
• Extended production support for Linux & Windows servers, storage, operating systems & desktops.
• Instrumental in engineering and implementing a new infrastructure clustered solution for the Virtual Classes using Drupal, Keepalived, HAProxy, memcached, authcache, varnish, MariaDB (Mysql) clustering and apache.
Key Responsibilities:
• Planning and implementing policies and procedures to ensure LINUX/Windows system provisioning and maintenance that is consistent with organization goals and industry best practices.
• Planning, implementing and operating a disaster recovery site for the virtual classes’ solution.
• Providing technical support, detecting, diagnosing, and troubleshooting/ resolving complex problems using best practices.
• Superintended a team of engineers to deliver state-of-the-art technology services and optimizing Linux systems for optimal performance.
• Ensuring that security procedures are implemented and enforced. Administering implementation and handling of daily system/backup checks.
• Executing upgrades; patches, and maintenance activities for all servers. Monitoring server environment by setting alerts, reviewing error logs and determine system infrastructure strategy and infrastructure security options.
• Developing and maintaining in-house infrastructure documentation. Updating procedures and documentation based on system changes.
• Training and mentoring other members of the IT department. Working collaboratively with multiple teams to improve and enhance IT core competencies and infrastructure technologies.
The company is one of the largest internet and network service providers in Saudi Arabia
Worked for the company in two stints viz. 2003-2004 and February 2008 - January 2016
Accomplishments:
• Acted as technical expert / go-to source of expertise.
• Commanded data center operations for Tatweer, and AwalNet ISP to ensure availability, integrity and confidentiality of information vital for business success and continuity.
Key Responsibilities:
• Played a critical role in supporting and maintaining the systems infrastructure including windows servers, UNIX & Linux servers, clusters, Cisco routers/switches, data-storage and database systems.
• Endeavored to enhance the reliability and resilience of infrastructure through root-cause analysis and reviewing gaps in designs and implementations of infrastructure.
• Deployed numerous virtualization solutions - Open source Xen and KVM, Citrix XenServer, VMWARE ESX/ESXi and SUN VirtualBox to eliminate server sprawl and enhance efficient use of server resources.
• Conceptualized and implemented several open source and windows clustering technologies, SAN storage, and SMS/WAP gateways.
• Assumed overall technical leadership and responsibility for services provided by the data center, ensured adherence to regulatory compliance.
• Administered HP-UX, Sun Solaris, Linux and Windows platforms to support client operations.
• Designed and supported HP OpenView Network management system to facilitate effective management of heterogeneous networked systems.
• Supported client applications including but not limited to Sendmail on UNIX/Linux, Apache and MySql on UNIX/Windows, BIND for DNS on UNIX, SunONE Directory and Messaging servers on UNIX, MS Exchange on Windows, IIS on Windows, Cisco routing and switching.
Accomplishments:
• Administered installation of modern information networks, reduced cost significantly by replacing expensive custom network servers with open source Linux servers.
• Evaluated and identified organizational requirements, recommended IT infrastructure requirements and upgradations to ensure acceptable levels of security, disaster management & data recovery plans.
• Configured, implemented and administered a heterogeneous network of Linux and Windows based computers for the organization.
• Designed, managed and broadened networks within the organization to support increasing number of users, introduced new systems/equipment, assured updates and maintenance are performed on current systems to keep up with changing organizational needs.
• Ensured system uptime and followed standard procedures in monitoring related equipment.