Balasubramanian @ Balan

About Me

BACKGROUND:

Balasubramaniam@Balan is a certified Trainer with specialization in the field of Information Systems, Network Security and a master’s Holder in Business Administration. Being exposed to information systems and network operations-based environment, he has garnered interest in that respective field. Ever since then he has continuously updated himself with various kind of knowledge either from the area of training or having managed medium range project locally or abroad. One of the mainstream projects that was partially outsourced, in the area of complete network infrastructure implementation, configuration was handled and completed in due time which also contributed to his additional knowledge on different area of skills which could have not been obtained via certification

He has served corporate giants such as LYODD Register, Kuala Lumpur City Center Berhad (KLCCB), Putrajaya Holdings (PJH), University Technology PETRONAS (UTP), Maxis Communication Berhad, Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), USAG & Kuala Lumpur Heart Care (KLHC). He is currently associated with I Tech Train & Xtenza Solutions Pvt Ltd (USA) as a Project Consultant. He has been a project manager and technical trainer since year 2007 and has educated many corporate professionals from various industries ever since then.  Balan has wide knowledge and experience in Microsoft, Linux, Cisco, Security, Network Security Auditing, Datacenter Management, Design & Build and Project Management, including preparation of Project planning manual and procedures according to international standards. Apart from this he also conducts part time lectures in both public and private universities on IT related and Management subjects.    

Balan’s extensive tutelage experiences, range from training corporate executives for Microsoft Certification, Cisco, IPv6, Networking, Information Systems Security, Network Auditing and project deployment for large MNCs

Certification

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION :

  • Microsoft Certified Trainer
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Core Infrastructure
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Productivity
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Messaging
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform & Infrastructure (Charter Member)
  • Microsoft Specialist: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions
  • Microsoft Specialist: Designing & Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016(Charter)
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2012
  • CompTIA Security+ CE
  • CompTIA Network+ CE
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (R&S)
  • Cisco Certified System Instructor (CCSI)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate – Security (IINS)
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (R&S)
  • Cisco Industrial Network Specialist (IMINS)
  • Certified Network Security Administrator (NSA)
  • Certified EC-Council Instructor
  • Certified Thread Intelligence Analyst (CTIA)
  • Certified Project Management Professional (CPM)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
  • Certified EC-Council Security Specialist (ECSS)
  • Certified EC-Council Security Analyst (ECSA)
  • Certified IOT
  • Certified CFR Instructor
  • CyberSec First Responder
  • Certified IPv6 Instructor
  • Certified Network Engineer (IPv6)
  • Citrix Certified Instructor
  • Citrix Certified Associate: Virtualization (CCAV)
  • Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCPV)
  • Citrix Certified Associate – Networking (CCAN)
  • Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCPN)
  • Citrix Certified Virtual Apps and Desktops Service Integration with Microsoft Azure Certified (CC-VAD-MA)
  • ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management

Clientele

PROJECT EXPERIENCE:

I TECH TRAIN SDN BHD,

Project Manager/Consultant

I Tech Train Sdn Bhd | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Permanent

  • Providing infrastructure assessments and recommendations for mission critical applications focusing on storage, server, load balancing and fail-over technologies.
  • Lead Technical Architect for requests for service, providing the technical solution for the requests from the customer which result in Project Change Requests.
  • Devised overall strategy for documentation and identified design sets planned for each stage of work including as-built designs and final building information models.
  • Technical Project Delivery, and Innovation Consultant for medium to large enterprise clients across Defense and Telecommunications industries for various clients from different countries.
  • Created new and innovative approaches to problems and discussed strategies with project managers.
  • Provide consultant services for external clients, defining virtualization approaches and investigating new technologies.
  • Managed installation, upgrade and deployment projects and provided on-site direction as well as in-deep workshops and training’s, especially in System Administration, Cloud Management and Design, Automation scripting and Operational analysis.
  • Responsible for the complete VMware component of internal cloud that was rolled out for external customer use across Australia. The cloud solution incorporated the automation of NetApp, Cisco and Juniper automation tools as well as RedHat and Windows Operation Systems.
  • Responsible for the design and implementation of Virtual Infrastructure and Cloud solutions for high profile clients in realms of government agency.
  • Trained other consultants on the concepts, architecture, implementation and management of Operational Readiness for Virtual Infrastructure (National and International).
  • Ensured alignment between people, process and technology for escalated process and technical issues relating to Virtual Infrastructure and the organizational / shared services environment.

Conduct Corporate Trainings focusing in the following areas:

  • Network
  • Data Center
  • Network Security & Audit
  • Data Center Security & Audit
  • Cloud Security
  • Network Design & Architecture
  • Virtualization
  • IPv6 Design & Security
  • Risk Management

His Majesty Sultan Flight (HMSF), Brunei

  • Technical Architect for Windows 2003 migration to Windows 2012 on VMWare ESX 5.5
  • Managed Virtualization Migration and to setup new vSphere Data Centre and VSphere Migration with complete   accountability of planning, designing and implementation of new virtual environment and disaster recovery site (DR).
  • Handling the complete installation, configuration & maintenance of Microsoft Windows Servers; designing the
  • backup strategy for sites and ensuring scheduled/unscheduled backups as per backup plan.
  • Enhance the security, stability and recoverability of Corporate Network through ownership of security, backup, disaster recovery planning and compliance. 
  • Successfully executed P2V Project involving virtual environment of over 50 physical machines; it solved space and power capacity constraint.
  • Design/Architect/Manage the implementation of the new DR site through the entire project life cycle.
  • Implement the production cloud solution which is now a fully functioning “Active/Active” datacentre.

USG BORAL, USA – Kuala Lumpur HQ

  • Pre-migration assessment from Lotus Domino to Office 365.
  • Pre-migration assessment from Lotus Notes Application to SharePoint 2013.
  • Produce current software feasibility study and system analysis.
  • Produced overview system design, functionality, story boarding and sample code.
  • Acquired feedback from the BU owners with full recommendation documentation. Produced project PID documentation for the project initiation stage.
  • Migration tasks included documenting current systems and the changes required to ensure a successful migration to the new platform.
  • Implemented migration plans, new policies and training as other developers migrated their applications to the new platform.

Ministry of Defense, Malaysia (MINDEF)

  • Designed and deployed a Cisco network with 2600-7200 series routers.
  • Implementation & configuration Site to Site and Remote Access VPN connections for remote stations and users.
  • Worked closely with ISO Audit team in implementing process improvements.
  • Development, implement and maintain policies, procedures & associated training plans for network resource administration.

Telecom Brunei, TELBRU – Brunei

  • Performed Traffic Load Testing.
  • Conducted penetration testing both internal and external on the existing primary DNS server.
  • Produced a comprehensive audit report on the current DNS server.
  • Disaster Recovery Planning, Development and Testing.
  • Security Awareness Program Development and Training

Datastream Technology Sdn Bhd (DST), Brunei

  • Conducted training for the Network Security & Audit engineers on design, implement and configure Cisco ASA 5540 firewall and PIX 525.
  • Conducted training on implementing and managing Cisco Access Control Server

Johor Port Berhad, Malaysia

  • Conducted technical risk evaluation of hardware, software, systems and network.
  • Developed an Information Technology Disaster Recovery Plan and Manual.
  • Conceptualised, drafted and implemented policies & procedures on network equipment and maintenance.
  • Recommended IT infrastructure requirements and upgrading to ensure acceptable levels of Security, Disaster Management and Data Recovery plans; establishing and running Data Centre infrastructure including Server Racking, Cable Laying, Tagging and Documentation.
  • Managed complete design and implementation of EMC Clarion SAN environments thereby ensuring high availability and performance characteristics for VMware Virtual Infrastructure & SAN-backed applications
  • Enhanced efficiency & customer satisfaction through complex restructuring geographically diverse IT groups into a Global Team; rebuilt the team from ground-up including hiring & equipping personnel for a rapidly growing infrastructure and meeting increasing demands from multiple business units.

TOTAL, Brunei

  • Consulted on the Project Management Scheduling constraints
  • Provided solution for issues faced due to tracking and scheduling constraints.
  • Consulted on project monitoring, follow up, coordination, customer and vendor interactions, implementation schedules, progress reviews, managing resolution of problems, providing regular updates and progress reports to management/ client.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Brunei

  • Prepared server built and other project relevant documents.
  • Deployed Exchange 2010, Configuration and performed migration of mailboxes and Public Folder data to new Environment
  • Performed Disaster Recovery for Exchange 2010 and decommissioned Exchange 2003 messaging environment
  • Involved in BES Ver5 Setup in the exchange 2010 environment and creation of different policies at the organization level.
  • Reviewing Logical Technology Model and Physical Technology Model
  • Decommission of exchange 2003 servers, standalone and clustered Servers.
  • Decommission of Blackberry Enterprise 4.1.6 server
  • Conducted in house MCITP full track training for 20 system administrators.

Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia

  • Design & implement network infrastructure, organizing team workflow, server administration for migration from RHEL 4 -> 6, with LAMP, MySQL master-slave replication, VPN, E-Mail and Samba server
  • Developed Business Continuity Plan, designed, implemented Server Virtualization and Disaster Recovery site.
  • Installed and evaluated Network Management Services such as HP OpenView, configured Network Node Manager (NNM).

MetTube Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur

  • Maintain current infrastructure consisting of Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange 2003, Novell Netware and Novell GroupWise email server.
  • Successful deployment of VMware ESX Server, VMware Server and VMware Infrastructure.
  • Configure all web services using Apache in Linux environments and MS IIS.
  • Research and introduce new technology where necessary. Including Virtualization and alternative methods of current infrastructure.
  • Create, modify and maintain shell scripts used for several uses within Linux servers. Tasks ranging from backups using rsync, emailing statistics of data usage of clients and the automation for creating new websites and DNS zones
  • Investigate, diagnose network interruptions and propose a solution for the connection provided under an SLA to the company hosting platform.
  • Recommended IT infrastructure requirements and upgrading to ensure acceptable levels of Security, Disaster Management and Data Recovery plans; establishing and running Data Centre infrastructure including Server Racking, Cable Laying, Tagging and Documentation, etc.
  • Providing hardware support on different platforms; coordinating with 3rd Party vendors and Service Provider; backing up & restoring data from tape library and managing the backup tapes, keeping inventory, sending and receiving tapes to and from off-site storage.
  • Perform yearly information systems audit report for the management review.

Project Manager – 08/2007 – 12/2008

Kuala Lumpur Heart Care (KLHC) | Kuala Lumpur | Contractual

  • Managed a large Private Data Center Project for KLHC, Initiated and planned this project and provided regular updated to senior level management including C-level executive management about the status, needs, and progress of this project
  • Successfully reengineered, reorganized, and managed a Data Center project that was already 8 months behind schedule.
  • It was a Private Data Center, and the security, planning in technology and space allocation, design and growth potential allowed it to become the focal point for all.
  • Managed the construction of the new Data Center.
  • Helped to restructure and provisioning of the WAN infrastructure, both primary and backup circuits for Internet and for MPLS circuits.
  • Worked on the design of the Data Center LAN and physical Security Infrastructure.
  • Helped select, qualify, and train the Team of Data Center Specialists who will permanently staff the Data Center, 24 x 7.
  • Helped qualify and select a Managed Network Services Provider to monitor the network, 24 x 7.
  • Managed the Project Management Plan, all Project Procurement Financials, and the Project Risk Management Plan and Risk Register.
  • Assisted with planning and managing the virtualization and migration of Applications into the new Data Center.
  • Designed and implemented an advanced WAN optimization architecture using Riverbed Steelhead devices.
  • Led the effort to create viable Disaster Recovery Plan and get it updated for two primary operational Data Center sites.

Information Systems Manager (HOD) – 04/2005 – 07/2007

Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Permanent

  • Established an enterprise standard for computer hardware and software which decreased computer hardware failures and software support costs more than 50% in the first year
  • Planned, implemented, and administered a computer-based polling system to support delivery of email & software updates for domestic and international sites.
  • Developed curriculum and training for Virtual Learning Platform for international members.
  • Directed the activities of an information systems department staff including systems administrators, computer help-desk technicians, contract programmers, and vendors
  • Developed scripts to maintain and backup key security systems.
  • Developed and maintain the IS Operations Administration manual for both domestic and international sites
  • Developed curriculum and training documentation and delivered IT Technical training for IT staff
  • Developed and maintained departmental development systems and infrastructure
  • Perform and create procedures for system security audits, penetration-tests, and vulnerability assessments.
  • Leased Bandwidth Management in terms of Analyzing Requirement, Feasibilities from various Telecom Operators or BSOs, Business Case Approvals, Procurement Plan, Purchase Orders, Delivery, Testing, Performance, Invoice Certifications and Renewals/Terminations.
  • Responsible for the overall network security including Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Cisco PIX Firewalls, Checkpoint FireWall-1 NG Firewalls, Cisco ACS Servers and VPNs.
  • Project Manager for enterprise Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) hardware & software inventory, software distribution, and remote support tool deployment
  • Vendor Management in terms of Ensuring Performance and SLAs agreed
  • Provide technical leadership to the enterprise for the information security program.
  • Designed and deployed an extensive out-sourced technology infrastructure CMS for ABU News Portal and Radio Asia. (www.radioasia.org) & (www.abu.org.my)
  • Perform and create procedures for system security audits, penetration-tests, and vulnerability assessments
  • Managed process and acted in the lead role for computer security incident response team
  • Wireless LAN security assessments. Securing Wireless LAN with WPA (Wifi Protected Access) and AES.
  • Design of a highly redundant WLAN core network.
  • Development of automatic maintenance and monitoring systems

Information Systems Officer – 04/2001 – 04/2005

Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Permanent

  • Designed, implemented, and administered a Windows NT, Windows 2003 Novell NetWare, and Red Hat Linux wide area network with multiple domestic and international sites
  • Provisioning new servers, imaging; handling other daily routines; leading new deployments from systems perspective by coordinating internal resources; performing systems backups and restore procedures.
  • Handling the complete installation, configuration & maintenance of Microsoft Windows Servers; designing the Backup Strategy for sites and ensuring scheduled/unscheduled Backups as per backup plan and restoration; managing Server, Domain, AD, User Rights, etc.
  • Conducting proactive checks with regards to Windows.
  • Provided technical support for Microsoft & Novell Netware Servers
  • Designed and implemented a corporate-wide email system using Send Mail, Postfix & Squirrel Mail
  • Supported security, voicemail, and telephone PBX systems domestic and internationally sites.
  • Developed curriculum and training documentation and delivered corporate-wide end-user training for new Microsoft Office products domestic and international
  • Monitored and Managed Network capacity planning, redundancy, design and security, network maintenance and troubleshooting, internet connectivity, wide area networking and internet services, including setup and administration of routers, firewalls, wireless, Cisco VPN, T1 Internet Connection and other satellite telecommunications equipment & services.
  • Provided technical support for DSL, T1, PRI, FAX, VoIP, PC & Laptop; implemented best practices at Service Desk.
  • Increased network efficiency, performance and security using a thorough understanding of information technology, network architecture and network operations. Improved network reliability with less than one-day cumulative outage in four years.
  • Responsible for management and coordination of all vendors and contractors who performed work at the data centers.
  • Assisted on the Disaster Recovery Plan / Business Continuity Plan, and Risk Register, and kept them all updated to reflect organizational, IT asset, and infrastructure changes.
  • Participated in semi-yearly testing of Disaster Recovery Plan / Business Continuity to verify the plans and ensure that everyone knew their roles in how to recover from one or more disasters.
  • Ensuring that the goals of the Incident Management process are achieved; restoring normal service as soon as possible based on customer perspective and within defined SLA; detecting, logging, categorising and prioritising incidents; providing initial Incident Support.
  • Closing incidents after verification from users; defining and planning separate procedures for major incidents; ensuring adherence to SLA and priority-based management.
  • Resolving problems & issues within set timelines thereby developing the Knowledge Base; ensuring that the issue does not happen again.

Network System Engineer (Security) – 11/1999 – 03/2001

Maxis Communications Berhad | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Contractual

  • Responsible for installation/maintenance and troubleshooting of Job site, Camp site of wired, wireless Networks and Telecommunication System hardware at more than 3,000 users.
  • Responsible for overseeing and support computer networks (LAN/WAN), networking hardware and software, network management, PABX telephone system, leased line diagnosing and solving hardware/software faults.
  • Responsible for Preparation of monthly and weekly report for computer resources and maintain spreadsheets/database with financial information.
  • Responsible for updates inventories and stores of server and network equipment and coordination by IT Manager for disposal of obsolete hardware.
  • Responsible for monitor inventory levels for project. Process additional equipment orders and on-site asset recovery.
  • Responsible for communicating of some issues and makes correspondences to vendors regarding service calls on computer related equipment and components and the supply of requested and approved equipment.
  • Ensuring that all IT equipment complies with standards by utilizing quality management standard.
  • Monitoring of network security, particularly if the network connects to the internet utilizing third party software.
  • Smoothly carried the IT System transition at the Data Center without any downtime at the time of merging.
  • Managed the entire gamut of tasks associated with Network Infrastructure Security Design and Maintenance.

Certification

Microsoft® Certified Trainer
Microsoft® Certified Solutions Associate : BI Reporting
Microsoft Office Specialist on Microsoft Office 365 & 2019
Microsoft Office Specialist on Microsoft Office 2016
Microsoft Office Specialist on Microsoft Office 2013
Microsoft Office Specialist on Microsoft Office 2010
Microsoft Office Specialist on Microsoft Office 2007
Microsoft Office Specialist on Microsoft Office 2003
Microsoft® Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring
Microsoft® Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuration
Microsoft® Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Support Technician on Windows Vista

Clientele

Maybank (Malaysian Universal Bank)
Bangkok Bank
Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
Public Mutual Berhad
United Overseas Bank (M) Sdn Bhd
RHB Banking Group
AEON Credit Service
Securities Commission Malaysia
PIDM
SWIFT Support Services Malaysia
Bursa Malaysia
Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad

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