Alex Thomson

Experience

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  ServiceTec, Manchester Airport

  Feb 2006 - May 2008

  Customer Engineer

  Support and debugging of cisco HSRP and OSPF configurations, often dedicated or X.25 connections for airline servicesGovernmental support for IRIS recognition immigration control technologies and data security and intrusion prevention with support for cisco 501 firewall devices in conjunction with Sagem.Monitoring Server performance, diagnosing issues and rectifying them so as to maintain service continuity using Dameware tools and Oracle Quest and ToadUPS and APC network power boot setup, maintenance and diagnosticsRegularly monitoring backup routines, determining any issues and rectifying as/when requiredOracle 10g support and active / active debugging between authoritative database owners for real-time data availability on the baggage reclaim systems24/7, 365 on-site support for mission critical systems support as required with a rolling shift patternFault diagnosis on Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Server 2000 & 2003 platformsDHCP support for 6 separate network VLAN configurations with backup scopesBoot from LAN in DHCP configured and tested with new hardware for security, coupled with ghost-cast server and generating boot and backup image files with Norton Ghost to aid in speedy disaster recovery to CUTE systemsResponsible for the complete administration and roll-out of 150 self-service kiosks and their associated software on the IBM CUSS platform across two geographically remote sitesDay to day network and desktop maintenance, trouble shooting and support onsite by telephone and email.Performing break-fix on hardware and software at check-in desks, gates and security barriersmanaging application roll-out and liaising with application development teams for airline specific applicationsActive directory configuration with group policies for CUTE access to certain resources dependant on location in terminal buildingsDetailed documentation and feedback of the installation / roll-out instructions for other airport sites completed to the IATA standard Show less

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  Issuedesk.net

  May 2006 - Jan 2012

  Director

  Successfully planned and managed a large scale office move with dedicated transport for sensitive IT equipment, including a network layer 2 and 3 architectural design for new premises, including the design and implementation of a Cisco point to point secure VPN to an offshore office location and a new implementation of an Avaya telephony system.Rolled out a complete MS infrastructure solution for a large media company including infrastructure build using Exchange 2010, Forefront 2010, Hyper-V, OCS, Outlook 2010 and SharePointExperience creating a database relational, scalable application written in PHP for a bespoke application in process management to a medium sized business.Sourced external Linux hosting provider with email, MySQL database, apache and PHP supportProposal writing, meetings with customer on regular basis Create user manuals, documentation and perform training for staff. Show less

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  Intellident Ltd

  Jan 2009 - Feb 2011

  Technical Support Engineer

  • Demonstrated in-depth expertise of RFID technology and served as expert technical support for Mark’s and Spencer’s stock management system. • Drove flawless software rollout, including configuration and implementation for Library self-checkout systems. • Served as high level second line support for internal IT systems. • Generated comprehensive technical documentation for support operations including customer training documents for in-house built software and services.

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  CMS Group Ltd

  Feb 2011 - Feb 2015

  • Operated as second in command at CMS Group and reported directly to Owner/Director. • Utilised in-depth design expertise and expertly created and coordinated large-scale multi-tenant Data centre move for MSP customers with zero downtime. • Utilised outstanding leadership skills to effectively motivate, manage, and engage a team of high performance Technical Consultants, functioned as mentor, and consistently promoted continuous improvement via training and development. • Garnered £1.2M+ for CMS in large scale contract wins including shift to Cloud project for Devere Venues. • Efficiently completed MSP costing model resulting in achievement of all profit margins. • Drove all facets of design process, served as resident expert, and created architecture of IT solutions for customers including Cloud Hosting, MPLS, Hardware and Software life cycles. • Created and implemented highly effective business strategy at Board level. • Devised high impact business plans internally and externally for customers. • Collaborated effectively with external partners and forged and strengthened relationships through utilisation of superior communication skills. • Assisted the customer with IT strategy with ROI assessments and TCO reports for key cost saving exercises. Show less • Flawlessly migrated multiple customers to cloud hosting and Thin Client platform including Elite Hotels, Napthens Solicitors, Trumeter Technologies, Devere Venues, Northcote Hotels Group. • Served as expert troubleshooter and created innovative solutions during fault resolution on all aspects of data centre hosted and cloud environments. • Operated as third and end of line escalation point for field services, installation, and service desk teams. • Efficiently managed SLAs and drove compliance with ITIL standards. • Effectively maintained managed service and SaaS products including AV, DR and off-site back up and executed tracking of SPLA licensing. Show less

  • Head of Professional Services

    Feb 2013 - Feb 2015

  • Technical Consultant

    Feb 2011 - Feb 2015
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  Barclays UK

  Feb 2015 - now

  Environments Manager, Design Architect & Subject Matter Expert

  • Provide exemplary leadership and direction for all facets of project scoping from initial stages and requirements gathering, including design and technical completion through in-depth expertise and utilisation of Agile principles tool sets and methodologies. • Conceptualised and drove transformation of Barclays ATM subsystems including Windows, JBOSS, MQ, MPLS and security and efficiently updated 6600 device estate and server estate. • Operated as Technical Lead during design of technical architecture and expertly devised and constructed software environment, ready for implementation to ATM estate. • Instigated and implemented high impact fast-fix resolution for major outage for entire ATM estate and effectively saved bank from media attention and avoided £millions in fines. • Executed all aspects of design and achieved automation of ATM and Self-Service estate using PKI infrastructure for use in OpenStack ApAAS cloud. • Served as resident expert with in-depth design expertise and executed end to end encryption and encryption at rest for all traffic types and Barclays Self Service offering. • Oversaw and controlled project knowledge transfer, generated official technical service operational guides, and drove all facets of business for multiple projects. • Devised high impact emergency recovery mechanism for ATM and Self-Service device estate, for utilisation as safety net and during outages, for troubleshooting and fast-fix implementation. • Created entire end-to-end encryption for multiple uses utilising mutual authentication and automated certificate provisioning solution using Venafi and APIs. • Conceptualised entire design and implementation of ATM specific security product created for JBOSS 7 and RHEL 7, implemented in DMZ. • Executed all facets of hardware and software refresh for ATM and Self-Service estate • Generated in-depth documentation and provided comprehensive training and KT Show less