Andrew Riding Email & Phone Number

Leeds, Gb

Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Leeds, United Kingdom

Roles and Responsibilities• Raise technical issues with vendors on our clients behalf. • Make changes to RIPE database to manage ITogethers RIPE allocations.• Support existing customers with network queries and issues.• Configure and install networking equipment• Support and configure security devices – mainly Cisco ASAs, Checkpoint devices and some experience with Palo Alto and Sonicwall devices.• Create fully documented audits of clients networks• Create comprehensive documentation for projects and help other members of the team support customers.• Provide training and mentoring to other members of the team with network queries.• Conduct wifi surveys on prospective clients premises• Evaluate new network products from different vendor to compare their suitability for ITogether customers. Vendors include: - Duo, Checkpoint, Forcepoint, Symantec, Meraki, Akamai, • Create new systems and processes to allow ITogether to better manage their information and equipment – knowledge base change control process, IPAM server.Key Projects: - • Helping a new IT director understand his network. This involved surveying all UK sites, auditing their equipment and creating network diagrams. In the report, I also specified areas that needed improvement and areas that he could save money by removing unnecessary equipment.• ITogether provide ISP services to small companies by reselling connections into a Large London Data Centre. It is my responsibility to manage and configure the network equipment in the DC for new customers.• Migration of Palo Alto security devices to a new Checkpoint implementation.• A customer was looking to outsource their web servers. After initial discussions, I was given the project to design, manage, build, test and implement a solution utilising multiple carriers, Cisco and Checkpoint equipment, OSPF and IP SLA. The project was then handed to ITogether support to be managed moving forward.

Leeds, United Kingdom

As a network delivery engineer I have been involved in implementing and supporting networks used in large customer contact centres. Key Projects: - • Installation of equipment into 3 new Capita buildings (Leeds, Glasgow and Preston Brook). This involved configuration of Cisco Switches and ASAs, their installation and undertaking all network acceptance testing.• Conducting network changes for seasonal call centre ramp ups. This involved temporary network growth (and decommissioning) for clients to allow additional seats at peak times. • Project to migrate existing telephony platform to a new network.• Marks and Spencer South Africa. A project to install a call centre into South Africa was being managed remotely from the UK. This project ran into issues and I was sent to Cape Town for a week to resolve the network issues.• Google – move of Leeds operations into a new office environment. This included building and installing new network infrastructure and integration with custom WLAN solution from an external supplier.• Operational network changes for major clients such as HSBC, Telefonica, British Gas, Google, Scottish Power & VW GroupDaily Tasks: -• Discussing network requirements with project managers. Raise change requests to ensure compliance with Capita processes. Completing network changes (in hours and out of hours) to ensure the project is a success.• Monitor and configure Cisco ASAs to rectify problems in network access (inc multi-context ASA). • Ensure new requirements for external companies to access Capita systems are allowed through ASAs.• Keep network project documentation up to date and accurate.• Configuration of Cisco switch equipment (inc VRF) based on LLDs• Troubleshoot networks

Bradford, United Kingdom

• Produce highly complex, technical designs to increase the speeds of broadband network services via DOCSIS 3• Create network architecture designs based on Motorola BSR64000, Cisco VXR and Cisco 10k CMTS equipment• Estimate potential costs for adding new developments to HFC network• Use advanced knowledge of Excel, Access and VBA to create Design documents / processes to automate the design process and build tools to save time and increase accuracy of the design process.• Survey current networking equipment in Virgin Media Points of Presence around the country.• Very quickly understand highly complex network architecture and numerous types of related equipment and their requirements.• Liaise with network managers and engineers to ensure the upgrades run smoothly and answer any technical questions that may arise during the upgrade process.• Offer assistance, guidance, training and Quality Checking to other members of the team working on similar projects throughout the country.

Leeds, United Kingdom

Chameleon Computers was a small consultancy based in Leeds. It was a Microsoft Partner and specialises in providing IT services to many small and medium sized businesses within the West Leeds area. My role was highly customer focused as I conducted regular visits to clients offices to offer technical advice and repair any technical issues. I was responsible for performing daily health checks on all servers, backups and network infrastructure. I also met new clients to discuss their IT requirements and proposed solutions - this included custom building and installing server and networks for clients.• Spec, Build and Manage Windows servers using Server 2003 and SBS 2003 (including MS Exchange) for multiple clients around the Leeds area.• Produce technical proposals for IT solutions based on client requirements.• Conduct daily checks on client servers and networks (both remotely and in person).• Configure Draytek routers and Netgear switches• Install and configure IT equipment including servers, routers and switches.• Repair servers, PCs and laptops• Create in-house documentation and knowledge-base.• Troubleshoot network and server issues for multiple clients.• Conduct site surveys, risk assessments at clients premises.

Sydney, Australia

• Configured Cisco routers and switches including configuring VLANS• Supported two LANs within the Sydney area• Used Active Directory to control access to the domain and file system.• Provided first, second and third level support for local and remote domestic users and also overseas users in China, India and the UK.• Responsible for backing up and restoring data using Veritas Backup Exec.• Provided support for many types of software including MS Office and various Stats packages.• Carried out hardware troubleshooting & repair on HP laptops and Optima desktops.• Created technical documentation and maintained in house knowledge base.• Modified and maintained intranet.• Trained new IT staff in in-house policies, procedures, systems and technologies.

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Networking• Installed and supported Cisco Routers, Cisco Switches, Cat 5 cable, patch cabinets and other networking hardware.• Installed and configured server based networks into multiple sites using Windows Server 2000 and 2003. Provide network support on a daily basis for any issues.• Made extensive use of Active Directory to control user access to company systems and the domain file structure.• Established and supported several wireless networks and also facilitated remote user network access using 3G mobile connectivity and VPN software. Support• Provided level 1, 2 and 3 support. This included desk-side, remote and phone-based support for a large user base (of differing abilities) in multiple locations.• Responsible for backing up data in several offices on a regular basis (using either Veritas Backup Exec or synchronisation software over frame relay link).• Custom modified Access databases and Excel spreadsheets for users with VBA functionality.Hardware• Installed and configured networking hardware and servers into a large number of site offices. • Specified hardware requirements and managed purchase of components.

Msc Computing Science, Java, Sql & Networking, Pass

For my dissertation I created a file sharing website to aid project working. It allowed multiple users access to set up a private web.

Bsc Environmental Science, Environmental Science, 2:2

My dissertation was to investigate the impact of agricultural pollution in the Upper Aire Valley by examining the water quality.

Education record

A levels & GCSEs