Working on computer cloud process automation, design, deployment and maintenance through which the user can provision resources on demand. Automating platforms like: OpenShift (Kubernetes), Cisco ACI, VCE vBlock (VMware NSX, vRealize Orchestrator, vSphere), vArmour (virtual firewall), Avi Vantage (virtual load balancer), FortiManager, ect. Using Django REST and vRO (vRealize Orchestrator) as platforms for automatomation.

Almost all activities and responsibilities remained close to the same as in my previous position (Barclays bank). Key differences lied in infrastructure and technologies we supported.Larger focus on virtualization, cloud and software defined, cutting edge technologies (VMware, vArmour, AVI, ACI, infoblox, openshift).Highly integrated automation (private cloud) removed a lot of simple tasks but in exchange, more support and knowledge was needed on existing automation workflows in order to investigate and resolve arising incidents and requests.

Operating and troubleshooting network issues in highly pressured global enterprise environment (routers, switches, firewalls, load-balancers and wireless equipment)Providing network support to internal users and external clientsLiaising with vendors, starting with service providers across the globe, ending with equipment manufacturers (Cisco, Arista, Juniper, F5, Checkpoint, Fortinet)Actively monitoring alerts / faults, undertake initial incident classification, prioritisation, troubleshooting and resolutionRaising and managing Incident/Change/Problem tickets through to completion in line with strict proceduresParticipation in Major Incident conference bridges to provide network infrastructure investigation and contribute to prompt incident resolutionChange record preparation, representation in Change Advisory Boards and implementation, including new business requests and incident fix changesFirewall rule provisioning: analyze requestor’s needs, trace and identify affected network segments, prepare change record and network amendment forms for Juniper, Checkpoint and Fortigate firewalls (rules, routes, NAT)

I was introduced to Barclays IT infrastructure, ITIL principles, request and change systems, various network management tools like infoblox, NSM, FortiManager, CyberArk etc. My duties mainly consisted of work with requests - raising, participating in CABs and impementing changes: DHCP, LAN connectivity and firewall provision.