Richard Allan

Experience

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  Albanet Ltd

  Jan 2003 - Apr 2006

  Systems Engineer

  Providing 2nd\3rd line support for end users and network infrastructure for a number of business managed services clients.• Desktop application support for Microsoft Windows XP, Office 2003\2007\2010• Server installation and support on Windows Server 2000 and 2003• Support and troubleshooting Exchange 5.5, 2000 and 2003, including migrations• Active Directory management and migrations from Windows NT 4.0• Network hardware installation including routing, switching and wireless LAN Show less

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  Police Scotland

  Jan 2006 - now

  Special Constable

  Assisting in front line policing in and around Inverness. This includes routine patrols and event policing including festivals and football matches, as well as driving and operating the N Division mobile CCTV Unit.From May 2016 I am on a 12 month secondment to N Division Roads Policing Unit, assisting with routine traffic policing through to dealing with major road traffic collisions.

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  RSE

  Apr 2006 - May 2009

  Systems Engineer

  Responsible for all internal IT services for a multi-building site with over 150 users. This encompassed desktop installation and support through to installation and management of VMWare ESXi hosts, Windows, Exchange and SQL Servers and installation and configuration of network and wireless LAN equipment• Providing desktop application support to all users, including Windows XP\Vista, Office 2003\2007, Access Dimensions Account, AutoCAD and specialised applications.• Design and installation of fibre optic network between 8 buildings on site.• Installation of Dell PowerConnect layer 3 switches utilising OSPF and RSTP.• Project management of Cat6 cabling installation in new offices for 300+ network points. • Wireless LAN installation for entire site indoor and outdoor coverage utilising D-Link hardware Show less

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  Global Energy Group

  May 2009 - Feb 2016

  Lead Infrastructure Engineer

  Responsible for the design, implementation and management of the IT infrastructure internationally for a £470m turnover energy services company with over 1000 users and 42 sites. This included the project management of major infrastructure projects and purchasing up to £200k.Key duties:• Leading and managing a small team of technical and functional experts to deliver a broad range of IT services (e.g. Application servers, network connectivity, wireless services, remote access etc.) to both end users and external customers.• Designing installing and managing the VMWare ESXi and Windows Server VM environment, including Microsoft SQL and Exchange 2010\2013 servers.• Problem solving complex network and server issues at 3rd line level.• Microsoft licensing procurement for desktop and server environment, approximately £200k p.a. on Enterprise Agreement• Selection, design, implementation of network and server hardware and software solutions.• In depth technical knowledge of Dell PowerEdge Servers, Dell Networking and Force10 layer 3 switches, Compellent and Equallogic SANs.• Wireless network design installation and management using Ruckus ZoneDirector and ZoneFlex Access Points.• Design and installation of microwave and 5GHz radio links using Ceragon, Cambium, Ubiquiti and Ligowave equipment.• Project managing construction of radio links, including planning permissions, tower construction, ICNIRP calculations, link budgets and DC\AC power supplies.• Assisting in IT services & strategy planning globally, including one of Europe’s biggest dry dock sites at Nigg Energy Park.I was made redundant from this position in Feb 2016 due to the Oil & Gas industry downturn Show less

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  External Reality Limited

  Feb 2016 - now

  Managing Director

  Providing business technology consultancy and contracting services through my own limited company. External reality holds the following vendor accreditations and partnerships:• Ruckus Wireless Big Dog Partner• Purple Certified Partner• Viprinet Reseller• Dell PartnerDirect Registered• Cisco Registered Partner• VMWare Professional Partner• Microsoft PartnerKey duties:• Day to day operational management of business activities, including finance, marketing and administration.• Technology consultancy services for small and medium size businesses on connectivity solutions, network infrastructure, wireless networks, information security and data protection.• Technical support services at 3rd line level for CommVault, VMWare vSphere, Microsoft Windows Server 2008R2\2012, Ruckus Wireless and other hardware and software solutions.• Design and installation of wireless LAN solutions utilising AirMagnet planning software for Ruckus Wireless and Purple Wi-Fi• Design and installation of microwave and 5Ghz connectivity using Cambium LinkPlanner, AirMagnet and LigoWage planning and link budget tools• Connectivity solutions utilising TooWay Satellite, Cambium and Ceragon microwave, leased line, XDSL, 3G\4G and Viprinet connection bonding technologies Show less