Project Management Quality Assurance

KRANTI KUMAR APPARI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krantikumarappari/

GitHub: https://github.com/krantikumara

Contact: +1-206-***-****; Email: ************@*****.***

Seeking career advancement in AI, Automation and QA with a dynamic and leading organization

Dynamic Solution Architect with over 19 years of experience in the telecom and networking domain, specializing in QA, automation, Generative AI, voice and telecom networks, and virtualization within Agile lifecycle environments. Proven track record in leading multidimensional project and program management, encompassing analysis, design, testing, and consulting. Demonstrates expertise in automation, product testing, quality assurance, and team leadership, with significant experience in the Telco industry focusing on VoIP applications, SDN/NFV, and client-server projects across Windows and Unix/Linux platforms. Currently leading as a Product Test Architect at Wipro Technologies, USA, driving innovative solutions and strategic project execution

Technical Arsenal

Automation Tools: Skilled in utilizing Python and Robot Framework for various applications (Selenium, Rest API, SSH, Playwright, Sikuli), enhancing efficiency in test automation.

Database: SQL, Vector database

Issue Tracking and Agile Management: Effective use of JIRA, MHWEB, Pronto, ICE SCRUM, and RTC (Ericsson) for bug tracking and agile project management.

Performance Testing Tools: LBT (Microsoft), iTest (Spirent)

Agile Project Management: Experienced in using JIRA for managing project tasks, sprint planning, and tracking work assignments within agile SDLC environments. Familiar with agile methodologies and practices to optimize project delivery and team productivity.

Software Testing: Skilled in developing test plans, test scripts, and requirements traceability matrices. Capable of coordinating user acceptance testing and ensuring the alignment of test strategies with business objectives.

SDLC Processes: Well-versed in general IT SDLC processes, including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Telecom Domain Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge in 5G, IPPBX, IVR (CTI), and VOIP Protocols including SIGTRAN, MGCP, SIP, V5.2, and SCTP. Proficient in IMS, cloud technologies, and virtualization strategies in telecom environments.

Artificial Intelligence: Proficiency in Generative AI, leveraging LLMs (OpenAI), Lang chain, NLP, Deep Learning techniques, and implementation tools such as Chainlit, Streamlit, and HuggingFace for innovative solutions.

5G Technologies: In-depth experience with 5G simulation tools (Keysight's CuSIM, DuSIM, LoadCore), and Open Source initiatives like Open Air Interface (OAI).

Cloud Computing: Hands-on experience with cloud platforms and technologies, including OpenStack (RedHat) and Azure, facilitating cloud-based solutions and virtualization.

DevOps Practices: Proficient in Jenkins, Ansible, Docker, and Git, supporting continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows.

Analysis and Optimization Tools: Expertise in network analysis (Ethereal/Wire Shark) and optimization tools (Orthogonal Array tool), enhancing network performance and reliability.

Network Testing and Traffic Simulation: Proficient with a range of testing and traffic simulation tools, including Spirent’s iTest, IOATS, CTH, and specialized tools for SIP-I and mobile traffic generation.

Accolades

Distinction of receiving Innovation Award from Wipro Technologies for innovation in Telecom Technologies during 2019-20

Distinction of receiving NEP Pride Award from Wipro Technologies for Q1 & Q2 during 2016-17

Distinction of receiving Practice Excellence from Wipro Technologies in 2016

Distinction of receiving High Flyer Award from Wipro Technologies in 2015

Distinction of receiving 7 awards including 2 GMT, FIMC, Make my own Award, Thanks a Zillion and PES quarterly Award during the year 2013-14 from Wipro Technologies.

Distinction of receiving Maestro and High Flyer Award from Wipro Technologies in 2013.

Distinction of receiving Best Delivery Award from Wipro Technologies in 2011.

Distinction of receiving Appreciation Award from Vertical Communications for implementing Audio Mail in 2008.

Publications:

1) "Customized IVR Implementation Using VoiceXML on SIP (VoIP) Communication Platform," International Journal of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER), November 6, 2012.

2) "Open-Source Automation Solution for SIP Services (RFC 5359)," International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Technology Research, February 9, 2017.

3) "Mahatma Gandhi: His Views on Man and Machinery," International Journal of Academic Research, December 5, 2019.

Patent:

Successfully filed patent on “Accessing Voice based e-mail over the telephone without Internet connection”

Certifications:

Wipro’s Completed DevOps Certification

RED HAT OPENSTACK CL210 (CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 160-184-263)

Wipro’s Completed ACEFL(Architect Certified Essential Foundation Level) Certification

Agile Scrum Master’s Certification

Core Competencies

Generative AI Automation QA/Testing Telecom Protocols Communication & Interpersonal Skills Customer Service Operations Management Aptitude Project Management Co-ordination Strategy Planning Team Management Training

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Feb’23 – Present

Sr Test Architect, Wipro Technologies

Client: Microsoft, Certification Lab (Neat, Cisco, Zoom, Yealink, DTEN)

Skillset: Robot Framework, QA Certification, Generative AI, NLP, OpenAI, Playwright, Azure

In my current role as a Senior Architect for the Microsoft-MS Teams QA and VOIP Automation project, I've led efforts in automating testing processes for MS Teams and various IP phones, utilizing Robot Test Automation Framework. In my role, I've not only led automation efforts but also integrated Generative AI technologies to revolutionize VOIP Automation and testing processes. My contributions include:

Developing automation frameworks for MS Teams, Polycom, Cisco, Yealink, and Audio Codes phones, significantly enhancing testing efficiency.

Utilizing Generative AI to create dynamic testing scenarios for MS Teams and IP phones, significantly improving test coverage and efficiency.

Implementing NLP and Generative AI models from OpenAI to analyze and interpret test results, enabling predictive analytics for identifying potential issues before they affect functionality.

Writing and maintaining test standards and procedures to ensure software functionality and integrity.

Analyzing test results, identifying areas for improvement, and collaborating with development engineers to resolve issues.

Pioneering innovative methods and processes to tackle complex testing scenarios, setting new benchmarks for quality and reliability in VOIP Automation.

Directing medium-sized projects with considerable complexity, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and expertise in VOIP/SIP technologies.

Certification Lab Responsibilities:

As an Architect for the Certification Lab, recognized by Microsoft's Unified Communications Open Interoperability Program (UCOIP), I play a crucial role in testing and certifying communication devices and services. This involves:

Overseeing the certification process for SIP/PSTN Gateways, IP-PBXs, and other communication devices, ensuring compliance with Microsoft Lync Server program standards.

Collaborating with partners and vendors worldwide, conducting rigorous testing in Wipro's Bellevue, WA lab to qualify their equipment for UCOIP Lync qualification.

Locations: Seattle, WA; Chengdu, China; Hyderabad, India; Vancouver, Canada.

Apr’22 – Jan’23

Product Test Architect

Wipro’s Internal Project

Skillset: Robot Framework, 5G Testing

Worked in Wipro’s internal project 5G Labs as a Test Architect involved in below responsibilities.

Gathering and analyzing the requirements from Vendor from testing perspective

Analyzes and writes test standards and procedures.

Test plan preparation based on 3GPP & ORAN specifications, Cloud Platform used for various network functions in 5G domain (both Core and RAN)

Testing E2E call flows involving RRC and NAS layer protocols.

Bringing up test environment on a virtualized environment including but not limited to

Cloud, Kubernetes, pods, Docker containers etc.

Analyzes test results to ensure existing functionality and recommends corrective action.

Works as a guide and sets directions for medium sized projects of reasonable complexity.

Finding out new methods and processes to approach complex situations in the respective area(s) of expertise.

Oct’19 – Mar’22

Product Test Architect – Canada, Wipro

Client: Shaw Communications

Skillset: Robot Framework, VoIP/SIP

Worked in Shaw-VOIP Automation project as a Test Architect involved in the responsibilities below.

Automation of Polycom, Cisco and Android phones using Robot Test Automation Framework

Analyzes and writes test standards and procedures.

Maintains documentation of test results to assist in debugging and modification of software.

Analyzes test results to ensure existing functionality and recommends corrective action.

Consults with development engineers in resolution of problems.

Works on problems of a highly complex scope, through expert usage of non-standard concepts and principles requiring high levels of judgment and interpretation.

Works as a guide and sets directions for medium sized projects of reasonable complexity.

Finding out new methods and processes to approach complex situations in the respective area(s) of expertise.

Since Dec’14 – Sep’19

Product Test Architect / Test Manager, Wipro

Delivery and Pre-sales for VoIP, SDN(ODL), Automation, DevOps and Openstack testing projects.

Project Description: This project is to respond to the VoIP, Automation, DevOps, SDN and OpenStack Cloud client’s RFPs with technical solutions. As a Test Manager involved management activities of both Feature Development and Testing of 35 Members Team in different locations and Manage both Onsite and Offshore

Prepared and presented technical solution for Tier-1 VoIP and Network Equipment Vendor on:

•Product testing including test lab setup.

•Automation Framework (Python and Robot Framework)

•VoIP Network and Open stack cloud benchmark testing and optimization

•Deployment of DevOps environment

Wipro Internal Project: One Touch Automation solution for OpenVSwitch using DevOps Tools

Role: Architect

Environment: Jenkins, Ansible, GiT, Docker and Robot Framework

Description: Automation of End to End SW Dev/Test Workflow in Agile, is a solution that is a Complete Integration of all DevOps Open Source Tools to achieve One touch automation and automatic Regression Test Selection based on the code changes

Responsibilities:

• Defined and Implemented CM and Release Management Processes, Policies and Procedures.

• Written Ansible playbook to configure the servers.

• Configuring the Docker containers and creating Docker files for different environments.

• Coordinate/assist developers with establishing and applying appropriate branching, merging conventions using GIT source control.

• Configured and maintained Jenkins to implement the CI process and integrated the tool with Robot Framework to execute automated scenarios

Prepared and presented technical & business solution for following RFPs on:

USA and Europe Tier-1 Equipment vendor – Unified Communications(VoIP) Testing

Requirements understanding

Prepared and presented PoC for Automation of RFC 5359 services with 3PCC phones by using Open Source Robot Automation Framework and Spirent’s iTest

Implemented PoC specific Robot Library for Soft Phone(X-Lite) Automation

Estimation and planning of end-to-end test lab setup for the required test tools (functional and performance testing), test bed

Innovative test approaches to reduce CAPEX & OPEX for the client

Europe Tier-1 Equipment vendor – VoIP Application Platform Testing

Prepared and presented PoC for Multi GUI Automation using Sikuli based Robot Automation Framework which replaces Client’s licensed Eggplant automation tool

Deployed end-to-end test lab setup for the required test tools

Europe Tier-1 Equipment vendor – IMS Application Automation Testing

Implemented PoC specific Robot Library for IMS and Wireshark Automation

Estimation and planning of end-to-end test lab setup for the required test tools (functional and performance testing), test bed

Innovative test approaches to reduce CAPEX & OPEX for the client

Wipro Internal PoC – Deployment and functionality testing of ODL SDN(Software Defined Network)

Wipro Internal PoC – Deployment and functionality testing of NFV (Network Function Virtualization) and Openstack(IaaS Cloud)

May’14 – Nov’14

Product Test Architect – Hungary, Wipro

Client: Nokia Solution Networks

Worked in NSN MSS-VOIP project as a Test Architect involved in below responsibilities.

Debugs software products using systematic tests to develop, apply and maintain quality standards for company products and executes software test plans.

Analyzes and writes test standards and procedures.

Maintains documentation of test results to assist in debugging and modification of software.

Analyzes test results to ensure existing functionality and recommends corrective action.

Consults with development engineers in resolution of problems.

Works on problems of highly complex scope, through expert usage of non-standard concepts and principles requiring high levels of judgment and interpretation.

Works as a guide and sets directions for medium sized projects of reasonable complexity.

Finding out new methods and processes to approach complex situations in the respective areas of expertise.

May’10 – Apr’14

Scrum Master / Technical Lead, Wipro

Client: Ericsson and NSN

Worked in NSN project as a Scrum Master involved management activities of both Feature Development and Testing of SGSN for NSN in DX and ATCA Platforms.

Worked in the project titled Design of Ericsson AXE Wireless Switch and Ericsson MD110 (IPPBX) IVR Design and Maintenance

Ensures that the process is followed, including issuing invitations to daily scrums, sprint reviews, and sprint planning

Responsible for Test planning, Test Strategy, Test schedule, Test reporting and Effort estimation.

Responsible for Customer issues

Responsible for Traffic load scenarios and performance Tools

Quality of the delivery

Handled all project management aspects of IVR product design and maintenance.

Responsible for handling of trouble reports

Contributed to testing effort and served as key technical resource

Oct’07-May’10

Senior Engineer-QA, Ness Technologies

Worked in the project titled Instant Office IP-PBX and Wave IP-PBX.

Worked for CVS pharmacy call center solutions

Accountable for testing the functionality of the same and report with test results, analyze the failures, login the bugs and also to prepare statistics.

Performance testing for the same product is also done using a home built Automation Suite called IOATS which sits on Dialogic Server (Usage similar to Predictive Dialing). We also test the Platform metrics for the same using the CTI Apps.

Responsible for Writing scripts for Automation using IOATS and Perl

Manually test Aastra SIP phones, Comdial Phones, Polycom phones and their features and also test different features of Voice Server (Outbound IVR, CRQ etc)

Test the IVR and modify some of the available VXML scripts with different call handling scenarios. (Call Flow testing)

Manual and Automation testing of Voice Server – Outbound IVR at Onsite – California, USA

Manual and Automation testing of Voice Server – CRQ & CN (ACD) at Onsite – California, USA

Manual testing of Service response and View Point

Nov’06 – Oct’07

Software Test Engineer, SmartLinx

Charged with the task of writing test plan, test Procedure, testing on simulator, executing the tests and Bug Report, Building parameters, Messages and Scenarios with the help of PortaOne tool.

Conducted Calls Analysis, Trouble Shooting SIP server and CPE, Vendor Termination trouble shooting and resolution, Device and Application testing, call status reporting.

Accomplished the configured and testing of SIP-enabled IP phones and ATAs belonging to Cisco, LinkSys, Grand stream and Tiger COM.

Adept in trouble-shooting and providing support to support CISCO, Avaya and Nortel VoIP Telephony products and able to configure QoS, TCPIP, Voice Routing Protocols, WAN, VPN etc.

Experienced in able to define and document Standard Operating Procedures for VoIP operations and support.

May’04 – Oct’06

Software Test Engineer, Reliance Infocomm

Key Accountabilities across projects: -

Engaged in planning of Tests, preparing Test scripts Test case requirements and writing, reviewing & implementing Test cases.

Responsible for front-end/Back-end Testing, Web, GUI, Functional and Regression testing etc.

Handled the reporting and tracking of bugs.

Interact with the team members for the mutual benefits in the project while interacting with the customers/clients on their projects for providing technical advises & feedbacks.

Interface with users/clients on their projects for understanding of requirements, reviews and providing technical advice & feedbacks.

EDUCATIONAL & PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

PhD, Pursuing Andhra University Visakhapatnam (Vizag)

M. Tech (DECS), 2012 JNTU, Hyderabad

PGDCL(Cyber Laws), 2015 NALSAR University, Hyderabad

PGDTC (Telecommunications), 2008 Hyderabad Central University

B. Tech (ECE), 2004 JNTU, Hyderabad

12th, 1999 Board of Intermediate, Andhra Pradesh

10th, 1997 Secondary School Certificate Board, AP

PERSONAL DOSSIER

Date of birth : 19th February, 1982

Linguistic Proficiency : English, Telugu and Hindi

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