Luis Lara - Exchange Engineer

SUMMARY

Experienced IT Professional with over *+ years in the IT industry; more than 8 years in Microsoft Exchange messaging systems and Windows Networks.

Concentration of experience in Microsoft Exchange technologies (Exchange 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013,2016,2019), as well as Office 365 and Microsoft Lync 2010 and 2013, Skype, Teams and Windows server.

Active Directory used to manage user tasks and PowerShell scripting to automate management of Exchange email system and daily tasks on Windows servers.

Versed in leading full-scale migrations to newer versions of Microsoft messaging technologies such as Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business/Teams.

Adept and planning, configuring, deploying, and supporting large-scale deployments of Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business utilizing Microsoft hyper V for virtual environments as well as Active Directory and PowerShell.

Experience with Azure, AIP, EOP, and data security in the cloud.

Experience deploying Database Availability Groups (DAG) in production.

Experience with windows clustering services and deploying CCR, SCR and LCR.

Knowledgeable of backup and recovery solutions and planning for disaster recovery.

Experience deploying virtual servers using both Microsoft Hyper V and VMWare ESX/ESXi platforms.

Proficient in PowerShell for scripting and process automation.

Proven experience implementing high availability solutions for Microsoft Exchange and Lync or Skype for Business.

Vast experience troubleshooting and resolving both client and server-side issues in Windows server networks and Microsoft Exchange email and messaging systems.

Successfully deployed and transitioned Microsoft Lync deployments to newer versions such as Skype for Business.

Skilled at providing top-level support to large user basis and meeting or exceeding SLAs.

Experience with the administration of mobile devices on multiple platforms including Microsoft Exchange.

Experience working with and configuring ISA servers.

Knowledgeable of Office 365 deployment models and best practices.

Experience with Office 365 migrations and hybrid solutions which take advantage of cloud.

Experience assisting migrations using Active Directory and PowerShell

Well-versed in configuring, maintaining and deploying Windows Servers (2000, 2003, 2008 and 2012).

Skilled at the installation and configuration of hardware and software components of networking environments including Cisco routers and switches, firewalls and VPNs.

Deep understanding of all OSI layers from application to physical.

Experience configuring Windows Server, Active Directory Domains, configuring DNS, DHCP, trust relationship, permissions.

Proficient in message tracking and troubleshooting to resolve mail delivery issues.

Supported Offline Address book, Calendaring and free busy related issues.

Proficient in Public Folder creation, replication and rights assignments.

Experience monitoring message queue and performing Exchange backup and restore.

Versed in monitoring and managing database growth and white space in databases.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Microsoft Servers

Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010

Microsoft Exchange Server 2013

Microsoft Exchange Server 2016

Microsoft Exchange Server 2019

Windows Server 2016 (NT 10.0)

Windows Server 2012 R2 (NT6.3)

Windows Server 2012 (NT 6.2)

Windows Server 2008 R2 (NT 6.1)

Windows Server 2008 R2 (NT 6.0)

Third Party Technologies

SQL Server

VMWare/VSphere, VirtualBox, Virtual Machine

Operating Systems

Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows XP, Window Server 8, Windows 9x Client, Windows NT 4.0/2000, Linux, MS Server 2008, MS SQL Server, and MS IIS.

Networking

Windows Deployment Service(WDS), Testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, (Cisco)routers, switches and related networking equipment, User and security group active directory.

Microsoft Technologies

Microsoft PowerShell 5.0

Microsoft PowerShell 4.0

Microsoft PowerShell 3.0

Microsoft PowerShell 2.0

Microsoft PowerShell 1.0

Microsoft PowerShell

Microsoft Active Directory

Microsoft Azure AD Connect

Microsoft Office 365

Skype-for-Business

TEAMS

Outlook Client

Outlook Web (OWA)

Exchange Online Protection (EOP)

Exchange Admin Center (EAC)

Microsoft Hyper-V

SharePoint

MS Office

Network Technologies

TCP/IP, Trouble Shooting, WAN/LAN, IP Configuration, VLAN Configuration, Technical Troubleshooting, ACL Configuring, Spanning Tree Protocol, OSPF, EIGRP.

Network administration, configuring routing protocols (EIGRP and OSPF), data backups and disaster recovery ability.

EXPERIENCE

April 2018 – Present

Microsoft Office365 Engineer

Intermountain Health Care Lake Park, Utah

In charge of all service and support, and engineering consultant for the entire Enterprise Messaging systems. Responsible for Skype-for-Business, Microsoft Exchange, WebEx, and RightFax; Microsoft in the Cloud: MS Azure AD Connect, Office 365 and Exchange Online as well as On Premises servers. Consulted on migrating the WebEx platform to another server. Responsible for end user support and services, which included consulting for back-end team and help desk team and providing L3 engineering escalation for these teams on Exchange, Skype, WebEx and RightFax. Responsible for managing the support queue and troubleshot issues with delegation and server-side issues affecting faxes and messaging.

Managed support and service with oversight of ticket queue management.

Provided on-call 24/7 oversight and L3 support.

Maintained Skype-for-Business and troubleshot licensing and performance issues.

Responsible or maintenance and user support for WebEx conferencing.

Administered Exchange and troubleshot mail flow issues.

Responsible for maintenance and support of RightFax.

Troubleshoot and resolved issues related to WebEx tools performance and functionality

Managed user permissions for access to mailboxes, conference rooms, faxbox, etc.

Responsible for day-to-day tasks and maintenance of Exchange mailboxes, active directory and database.

Supported Offline Address book, Calendaring and free busy related issues.

Assigned licenses in Office 365

Managed and supported Office 365 (email, calendars, contacts, etc) and set up other components as needed.

Delegated permissions in Azure, Exchange, and Office 365 for users, assigned group memberships, and handled configurations of routing codes.

Provided L2 and L3 support to Webex users and RightFax integration within the environment

Registered users within RightFax, Webex, and assigned policies where needed.

Provided detailed technical documentation including solution high/low level design, platform build/configuration, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

Actively managed Active Directory and patch management.

Contributed to process improvement and increased customer service response time.

Analyzed, logged, and tracked complex software and hardware matters of significance pertaining to network connectivity and/or access issues reported via phone, email or other ticketing system.

Assisted in developing long-term strategies and capacity planning for meeting future messaging system needs utilizing Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Office 365, Windows Server, policies, governance. Mail flow and routing, and data loss prevention.

Administration and management of windows AD infrastructure with monitoring of DNS and Active Directory replication.

Utilized the AAD Connect synchronization engine, Licensing and PowerShell connectors.

Provided support for problems relating to Active Directory federation services (ADFS).

Create user ID's, roles and Dynamic groups in Azure AD.

Handled tickets pertaining to user sign-on issues, conferencing policies and quality, and call drops.

Resolved technical issues via phone, chat, and email regarding Exchange and other cloud-based services.

Documented solutions thoroughly and contributed to the company knowledge base.

Technologies: Active Directory, Exchange 2007, Office 365, WebEx, RightFax, Skype-for-Business, EAC (Exchange Admin Console), Skype-for-Business Monitoring Report, Azure ADConnect, Azure Directory Federated Services (ADFS), PowerShell

March 2016 – March 2018

Microsoft Office365 Online & Hybrid Architect

Southern Edison Corporation San Diego, CA

Responsible for Microsoft in the Cloud: MS Azure AD Connect, Office 365 and Exchange Online as well as on premises systems

Provided support and consulting for encrypted email strategy, support, and audit using Microsoft Exchange.

Configured Office 365 online and implemented a federation between existing environment and the Office 365.

Installation of Microsoft Office365, by creating a tenant, not limited to A records and txt records, and verified domain.

Performed Office 365 tenant validation, identity management solution, and network bandwidth analysis.

Readied on-premise deployment for hybrid by analyzing the state of AD, Exchange, and the corporate network.

Created PowerShell scripts to change the UPN for multiple groups of users on the Active Directory.

Matched the Primary SMTP Address with the new UPN using scripts on the Active Directory.

Began the planning of the hybrid implementation of Exchange 2010 and Office 365 to create federation of services and coexistence.

Configured ADFS based identity federation in order to provide users with a single sign-on (SSO) experience in the Exchange system.

Set-up Windows Azure Active Directory for directory synchronization with the Office 365 tenant.

Installation and configuration of domain controller, DHCP, DNS, Group Policy, Radius Server, IPV6.

Installation and maintenance of Microsoft Web Application Proxy for Security of ADFS tokens.

Created a site to site VPN between on premise and Azure, using RAS for secure replication of on-premise domain controller, to the newly created Microsoft Azure domain controller

Installation of San Certificates for Active Directory Federation Services

Creation of Site, Subnets, and site links for replication of on premise to the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Executed batch migration using PowerShell script to move mailboxes in a hybrid migration.

Troubleshot issues with mailbox moves, monitored bandwidth and migration progress, and reported on status and any changes in planning that were necessary.

Moved the 5 Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) roles, so that I could change the primary domain controller.

Managed SharePoint Sites, administered users, and created site quotas.

Added and tested internal and external users to SharePoint, using PowerShell.

Installation of Azure resource group, virtual network, Network security group, Azure DNS, and gateway for Synchronization with on premise.

Worked with the Good for Enterprise team to deploy new email policies.

Replicated the policies to EOP for DLP and encryption for HIPAA compliance.

Created transport rules, blocked spamming IP addresses and domain names.

Architected and documented all architecture for Microsoft Azure AD Connect and Microsoft Office 365

Installation, configuration, and testing of Skype for Business Online.

Worked with Help Desk to generate documentation/guides on how to manage migrated users and new users in the new Exchange 2010 / Exchange Online/Office 365 hybrid environment.

Followed Microsoft’s best practices and managed client expectation to achieve a workable solution.

Troubleshot issues with mailbox moves, monitored bandwidth and migration progress, and reported on status and any changes in planning that were necessary.

Consulted on litigation holds and eDiscovery capabilities within Office 365.

Utilized PowerShell to perform checks for Exchange Logs, Event Logs, and Exchange Administration.

Utilized PowerShell and other scripting skills to automate messaging processes and reporting.

Microsoft Exchange Engineer February 2015 – February 2016

ProSource San Diego, CA

Responsible for all Microsoft Network System, Communication and messaging using Exchange, Office 365 and Active Directory.

Lead deployment of a hybrid Office 365 environment with upgraded Exchange 2013 environment

Documented requirements and created project plan for new Exchange 2013 server in hybrid with Office 365.

Planned migration of Exchange 2007 on premises to Exchange 2013 on premises as phase 1, implementation of Office 365 as phase 2 and finally phase 3 involved the creation of a federation between Office 365 and Exchange 2013 on premises for a hybrid environment.

Implemented Windows server 2012R2 in preparation for Exchange 2013.

Set-up virtual server using Hyper-V instance on the Windows 2012R2 server for testing.

Prepared the Exchange 2007 server for migration with updates and patches.

Performed POC test migration of Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2013 and verified results.

Migrated Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2013 using Exchange Administration Center (EAC).

Prepared for Office 365 migration: created tenant, configured domain in Office 365, verified the domain.

Used IDFix to fix synchronization errors for Active Directory, not limited to UPN matches, SMTP Errors, and GUID and Immutable ID issues.

Set-up ADFS on a virtual instance using Hyper-V on the Windows 2012R2 server.

Created ADFS to provide Federation and Single-Sign-On (SSO) functionality.

Configured the Exchange hybrid server using the Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW) to create hybrid send/receive connectors.

Migrated Exchange 2013 mailboxes and user data to Office 365 cloud.

Provided escalation support and help desk training for smooth transition.

Skype for Business and Exchange discovery done in preparation for Office365.

Migrated test users to Skype for Business Online, and tested functionality after being migrated.

Responsible for day-to-day tasks and maintenance of Exchange mailboxes, active directory and database backups.

Worked with IT manager, to discover the amount of E3 licenses needed for Microsoft Office365, and the amount of E5 licenses that would be needed for PSTN Conferencing.

Wrote PowerShell scripts to export and then import inbox rules into Exchange Online.

Wrote PowerShell scripts to use Exchange, to pull statistics on which version of outlook clients were using.

Utilized PowerShell Scripts to automate processes and tasks.

Supported Offline Address book, Calendaring and free busy related issues.

Worked in conjunction with Mobile Device Management teams to troubleshoot sync issues with Exchange mail and calendars.

Microsoft Exchange Engineer July 2014 – January 2015

Baltimore County Public Schools Baltimore, MD

Responsible for all Microsoft Exchange systems and Office 365/Active Directory Engineering.

Lead effort to deploy a hybrid Office 365 environment with upgraded Exchange 2013 environment. Used Microsoft Exchange calculator and other Microsoft tools to determine the servers needed, based on client needs.

Updated current Exchange 2010 infrastructure to the latest service pack and applied all security patches.

Installed and configured 14 CAS Servers and 12 Mailbox Servers.

Planned and implemented transition from Exchange 2010 to Exchange 2013 for 19,600 users.

Did research to help implement a round robin load balancer, using BIG-IP

Used Comvault to schedule backups.

Installed and Configured Certificates on CAS Servers.

Migrated all users and databases to Exchange 2013 platform.

Planned for hybrid set up of Office 365 with on premise Exchange infrastructure.

Configured ADFS based identity federation in order to provide users with a single sign-on (SSO) experience.

Set-up DirSync for directory synchronization.

Tested synchronization with cloud services before migrating any active directory/Exchange databases.

Planned batch moves dependent on bandwidth availability.

Moved accounts to create hybrid Exchange/Office 365 deployment.

Experience monitoring message queue and performing Exchange backup and restore.

Utilized VMWare to deploy new virtual machines into production.

Deployed a Database Availability Group to provide high availability of databases.

Created lab environment to test integration of Microsoft Lync 2013 with Exchange 2013, Polycom, and other on-premise technologies.

Worked in conjunction with Mobile Device Management teams to troubleshoot sync issues with Exchange mail and calendar.

Created transport rules, blocked spamming IP addresses and domain names in the Exchange system

Provided support to users via phone, email, in-person or remotely to Exchange/Lync end-users

Troubleshooting of issues related to MS Outlook, database health, and client access.

Created and maintained documentation for Microsoft Exchange environments pertaining to changes, installs, and daily operation, databases, Active Directory, and some key PowerShell scripts to use.

Restored Exchange mailbox data to user's inbox from backup on an as needed basis.

Utilized PowerShell Scripts to automate processes and tasks.

Created new user accounts, shared mailboxes, distribution lists and set quotas.

Microsoft Exchange Messaging Engineer June 2013 – June 2014

Arbitron Columbia, MD

Responsible for all email and text communications administering and supporting Microsoft Exchange, Office 365 and Lync systems.

Lead effort to deploy a hybrid Office 365 environment with upgraded Exchange 2013 environment.

Planned and implemented transition from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2013 for 8,000 users.

Updated current Exchange 2007 infrastructure to the latest service pack and applied all security patches.

Migrated all users and databases to Exchange 2013 platform.

Planned for hybrid set up of Office 365 with on premise Exchange infrastructure.

Set up DirSync for directory synchronization.

Tested synchronization with Office 365 cloud services before moving any Active Directory databases.

Planned batch moves dependent on bandwidth availability.

Moved active directory accounts to create hybrid Exchange/Office 365 cloud deployment.

Assisted users experiencing any synchronization issues.

Utilized VMWare to deploy new virtual machines into production.

Deployed a Database Availability Group to provide high availability of databases.

Hardened in place deployment of Microsoft Lync 2010 and applied all updates and patches as needed.

Monitored usage of Lync servers by modality using the Monitoring Server for reporting.

Set policies on a user and global level for Lync users.

Implemented PowerShell scripts to automate account creation and deletion process for Lync users.

Tested Lync integration with Polycom conferencing systems.

Created lab environment to test integration of Microsoft Lync 2013 with Exchange 2013, Polycom, and other on-premise technologies.

Assisted users in setting up mobile devices for Lync connectivity.

Worked in conjunction with Mobile Device Management teams to troubleshoot sync issues with Exchange mail and calendar.

Provided in-house support to users via phone, in-person or remotely.

Troubleshoot issues related to Outlook, database health, and client access.

Monitored resources, services, and pertinent server utilities using SCOM 2012

Addressed any alerts or triggers received from SCOM and resolved as needed.

Met or exceeded all SLAs defined for Lync and Exchange environments.

Created and maintained documentation for Lync and Exchange environments pertaining to changes, installs, and daily operation.

Restored mailbox data to user's inbox from backup on an as needed basis.

Utilize PowerShell to automate processes and tasks.

Created new user accounts, shared mailboxes, distribution lists and set quotas.

Configured ADFS based identity federation in order to provide users with a single sign-on (SSO) experience.

Microsoft Exchange Administrator August 2012 – May 2013

Bowie State University Bowie, MD

Microsoft Exchange Email Administrator and Microsoft network Systems Administrator.

Performance tuning and optimization of Exchange 2003 Server for maximum performance.

Patched and installed service packs on all Exchange servers.

De-fragmented Exchange Databases in case of slow performance.

Troubleshot RPC over HTTPS configuration issues and resolved for optimal connectivity.

Resolved OWA access issues, spam, and threat blockage.

Handled mail quota, delegation, rights management, and individual mail restore.

Management of Double Take Replication Software for Exchange Information Store Replication to Disaster Recovery Site.

Time to time check authenticity of DR site with swinging Exchange Server to Disaster Site.

3rd Level End user calls for Microsoft Outlook, attachment stripped of messages, mail delivery failure etc.

Boost Exchange Server performance via the registry in Exchange to ease the burden on Active Directory domain controllers and prevent Exchange server from using PDC emulator.

Provided support for VIP and non-executive users via phone, in-person, or remotely.

Administered mailbox permission delegation, DL creation and modification depend upon user’s requirement.

Created, modified, and Maintained public folder for Enterprise FAX Routings.

Backup and restoration of all servers using Veritas Backup Exec 9.1.

Computer maintenance including monitoring, log review, testing, virus and spyware removal and system performance improvements.

Network maintenance, firewall and router configurations, Windows server maintenance and installation, Active Directory and Exchange server support, and database management support.

Troubleshooting wired and wireless networks on/off site.

Utilized remote control program to fix or diagnose problem. Identify whether issues are related to desktop computer hardware, operating systems, and other approved software applications, as well as with peripheral equipment such as printers and scanners.

Utilized Active Directory to add, delete, disable, modify, re-set passwords and modifying user account properties.

Strong background in problem solving skills, including problem recognition, research, isolation, and resolution steps.

Configured and managed network printers.

Installed and configured Linux servers.

Managing local area networks run over a Microsoft Windows platform including installation of antivirus programs, running backups, and implementing disaster recovery solutions.

Installing and configuring RAS/Dun.

Remote systems administration of users and services.

Integrated NT Servers and Workstations, and Windows 98 with Netware and Unix.

Technician Specialist June 2011 – August 2012

US Assure, Inc. Jacksonville, FL

·Installed and performed minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.

·Assisted in the designing and implementing all security related functions for network equipment. This includes user ID and password control, backup systems and procedures, and disaster recovery plans and tests.

·Provided technical advice and guidance to all levels of department staff on projects requiring network support and administration to ensure infrastructure will effectively support new systems and that current system performance will not be adversely affected.

·Assisted Network Administrator in identifying, evaluating, and implementing hardware and software solutions for the network system.

·Troubleshoot Lan/Wan and network issues and coordinates/escalates issues with appropriate staff for problem resolution.

·Utilized SQL queries to access specific financial information from various databases.

·Answered user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.

·Troubleshot VPN connections for remote users.

·Troubleshot Citrix connections for Citizens employees.

·Diagnosed, troubleshot, and resolved a range of software, hardware, and connectivity issues.

·Maintained records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.

·Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.

·Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.

·Developed training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.

·Conferred with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.

·Oversaw the daily performance of computer systems.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology– Westwood College, Arlington, VA

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