Ahmed Zaher

Continuous learning by staying current with Cisco's rapidly evolving portfolio, including new hardware, software, services, and licenses. Present at industry events, webinars, and internal Cisco forums to share expertise and best practices. Act as a trusted technical advisor, translating customer business needs into scalable Cisco architectures across networking, security, collaboration, data center, cloud, and SD-WAN. Lead discovery workshops and technical sessions to define solution requirements and align designs with customer roadmaps. Design and validate end-to-end solutions, delivering HLD/LLD documentation, BoMs, licensing models, and architectural diagrams using Cisco best-practice frameworks. Deliver tailored technical presentations, demos, and PoC/PoV engagements showcasing Cisco technologies and competitive advantages. Support the full sales cycle by responding to RFIs/RFPs/RFQs and driving technical closure with account teams and channel partners. Collaborate with product management, TAC, CX, and delivery teams to ensure solution accuracy and seamless project execution. Maintain strong market awareness and position Cisco solutions against competitors such as Arista, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Huawei, and HPE/Aruba. Articulate Cisco’s value proposition across integrated architectures, software subscriptions, SaaS offerings, automation, and API-driven capabilities. Mentor junior engineers and partners while continuously enhancing expertise across Cisco’s evolving portfolio.

𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 : Led the discovery process to understand client needs, crafting tailored solutions that align with both business and technical objectives. Acted as the primary point of contact for solution architecture discussions and requirements gathering, ensuring alignment with client goals. Managed the ordering process by placing equipment orders with manufacturing companies on behalf of clients, ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment. Collaborated cross-functionally with product and sales teams to design scalable and impactful solutions, ensuring that technical proposals align with client expectations. Created detailed technical proposals, including solution architectures, Bill of Materials (BoM), and cost breakdowns, to present comprehensive and aligned solutions. Provided expert-level guidance on complex technical challenges, conducting in-depth consultations to create solutions that enhance operational efficiency and drive digital transformation. Led customized product demonstrations for potential clients, effectively conveying the value proposition and addressing the client’s pain points. Supported the sales process with expert knowledge, delivering competitive insights and refining strategies based on market trends and competitor analysis. Fostered strong relationships with clients and partners, contributing to revenue growth and long-term client success. Maintained expert knowledge of cybersecurity services and technologies, advising sales teams on portfolio positioning to identify key opportunities. Developed tailored cybersecurity roadmaps and business plans in collaboration with sales and client management teams, building trusted advisor relationships. Led SIEM/SOC initiatives by providing pre-sales consultancy, mentoring junior team members, preparing clear presentations, and conducting Proof of Concepts (POCs) to address critical security gaps.

𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 : Led the design, configuration, and implementation of Cisco collaboration solutions (CUCM, Expressway, Unity, UCCX, WebEx), ensuring seamless integration across voice, video, and messaging platforms. Provided advanced troubleshooting and escalated support for complex collaboration issues across multiple platforms (CUCM, UCCX, Voice Gateways), effectively managing the resolution of Level 1 and 2 incidents within agreed SLA timeframes. Directed the planning and execution of system upgrades, including Cisco UCS, ESXi, and CUCM versions, while overseeing the smooth migration of clients to cloud-based solutions like WebEx Calling and hosted CUCM environments. Led the integration of Cisco solutions with third-party systems (PBX, Exchange, AD, RightFAX, video surveillance) to ensure a unified communications ecosystem. Designed and deployed mobile remote access and business-to-business solutions using Cisco Expressway. Acted as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for SIEM, overseeing and mentoring junior team members and associates as needed.

𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 : Led the SD-Access deployment for the New Capital Government, ensuring secure and efficient network access across multiple government sectors. Conducted proof-of-concept (POC) simulations, developing use cases and test scenarios to address critical security gaps that traditional defenses could not mitigate. Implemented Cisco IP telephony solutions, including CME and Voice Gateways, to provide seamless communication throughout the organization. Provisioned and optimized virtual environments using VMware vCenter and ESXi, ensuring high availability and resource efficiency. Managed network and storage configurations, enabling NIC teaming for redundancy and performing fiber connectivity tests to ensure optimal network performance.

𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 : Led 24/7 Network Operations across the Gulf region, ensuring consistent connectivity and optimal performance for the entire Mabanee network infrastructure. Managed Cisco Unified Communication Solutions, overseeing the implementation, upgrades, and troubleshooting of Cisco Unified Call Manager and Voice Gateways, ensuring seamless VOIP services. Engineered High Availability Systems by configuring UCS Servers for effective monitoring and data storage, ensuring reliable operations and system uptime. Optimized Network Performance using Cisco Prime Infrastructure, generating actionable reports and improving device management across the network. Strengthened Network Security by configuring Cisco Secure Access (ACS, ISE), ASA Firewalls, and VLANs, ensuring secure access and communication across multiple sites.

𝒌𝒆𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 : Spearheaded the deployment and configuration of Cisco Unified Call Manager (CUCM) (versions 6.x to 8.x) and Cisco Unity Connection, ensuring efficient and reliable voice communication systems. Led the design and installation of Cisco voice solutions, including CUCM and voice gateways, to optimize system functionality and reliability. Diagnosed and resolved complex issues related to CUCM and Zoom CallREC servers, significantly reducing downtime and improving system performance. Delivered expert-level guidance in the design and installation of Cisco Call Manager and integrated voice applications, contributing to seamless and effective communication solutions for clients.

I am proud to have completed my PhD in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Bradford, achieving a "Very Good" grade. My research focused on the role of AI in driving digital transformation — an area of significant relevance and impact in today’s technological landscape. Reflecting on this journey, I am filled with a sense of pride and excitement about the future. The knowledge and skills I have gained throughout this process are not only a testament to my dedication but also a strong foundation for the opportunities ahead. As AI continues to evolve, I am eager to contribute to its growth, whether in academia, industry, or other areas of innovation.

During my Master's program in Cloud Computing at Cairo University, I gained in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in advanced cloud technologies. This online program allowed me to explore cutting-edge cloud systems while building a strong foundation for leadership roles in cloud-based system design and transition. In addition to the technical skills acquired, I had the opportunity to network with classmates and learn from faculty actively working in the field. This experience has equipped me with the expertise to contribute effectively to the rapidly evolving landscape of cloud computing.