Jay Bala

Cloud & Azure Administration Managed Azure infrastructure including VMs, App Services, NSGs, load balancers, App Registrations, Enterprise Apps, and SAML integrations. Implemented Azure Backup, Restore, and Azure Monitor for proactive alerting and compliance. Optimized Azure networking and security configurations to enhance reliability and reduce operational overhead. Virtualization & Hypervisor Troubleshooting Diagnosed and resolved issues with hypervisors, storage performance, and VM behavior across complex, high‑availability environments. Performed deep‑dive troubleshooting using logs, performance counters, and hardware diagnostics. Failover Clustering (Windows, SQL, DHCP, File Servers) Built and troubleshot multi‑role failover clusters using Always‑On, Cluster Shared Volumes, quorum tuning, and storage resilience features. Increased cluster stability by refining heartbeat, node vote, and witness configurations. Microsoft HCI & Infrastructure Modernization Managed and supported Microsoft HCI infrastructure, including Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), improving performance and overall cluster consistency. Oversaw infrastructure lifecycle, hardware planning, vendor coordination, and cost assessments. Active Directory & Identity Platform Expertise Performed advanced troubleshooting across AD services: DNS, NTP, replication health, metadata cleanup, Kerberos issues Security & Microsoft Defender XDR Implemented and managed Microsoft Defender XDR, including: Defender for Endpoint Defender for Office 365 Cloud App Security Advanced Hunting & KQL queries Strengthened security posture by enforcing Conditional Access and modern security baselines. Hardware & SAN Expertise Managed enterprise-grade hardware including HPE Primera SAN, HP Synergy Blades, and HP ProLiant servers. Improved storage and compute reliability through firmware updates, multipath tuning, and capacity planning.

• IT Environment Management: Work in a complex IT environment with multi-forest and multi-domain structures. • Server Hardware Management: Manage all aspects of server hardware, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and contract renewals for HP ProLiant, HP SAN 3PAR Primera, and HP Synergy systems. • Active Directory and Windows Server: Administer and support Active Directory, Windows Server environments (2012-2019), and Exchange 2019/0365. Perform setup, configuration, and ongoing monitoring of Active Directory infrastructure, including AD replication/DNS troubleshooting, event log monitoring, OU maintenance, and demotion & removal of domain controllers. Work with Failover Clustering, DHCP, DFS (Distributed File System), DNS, Remote Desktop Licensing, and Remote Desktop Session to ensure seamless operations. Manage printer infrastructure and configurations for optimal performance. • Endpoint Management: Administer and support endpoint management systems such as SCCM, Intune, and Group Policies. • Virtual Server Environments: Manage and maintain virtual server environments, including HyperV and Azure, with responsibilities for installation, configuration, and maintenance. • Storage Area Networks (SAN): Manage, monitor, and optimize the performance of Storage Area Networks (SAN). Maintain backups and disaster recovery systems. • Cybersecurity and Patching: Assist with cybersecurity tool management, including Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), and patching. • Cloud Application Administration: Provide support and administration for cloud applications, including Office 365, email, OneDrive, and SharePoint. • SQL Administration: Perform SQL administration tasks such as SQL Server security, setup of new servers like AlwaysOn and Clustering, and management of backup jobs. Network Skill Networking protocols and concepts, such as DNS, DHCP, VPN, LAN,SFTP,NTP

• Acted as the primary point of contact for escalated system-related tickets from the service desk team, ensuring timely resolution and client satisfaction. • Proficiently managed various Windows server tasks, including Active Directory account creation, account provisioning, file permission, Group Policy Objects (GPO), server patching, upgrades, and role installations. • Configured and adjusted virtual machine resources within the VMware environment to meet specific requirements. • Oversaw the administration of Microsoft 365 Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, encompassing Microsoft Exchange Online, Azure Active Directory, Azure AAD Connect, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Azure Conditional Access. • Managed Microsoft Security platforms, including Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Cloud App Security, Microsoft Threat Protection, and Azure Identity Protection. • Proficiently handled Microsoft Endpoint Solution tools such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). • Led patching initiatives for servers and endpoints, implementing security changes based on recommendations from Microsoft Security Score assessments. • Automated tasks using PowerShell scripts, contributing to increased operational efficiency. • Implemented and enforced various email security policies and conducted training using Microsoft Security and Compliance and Azure Information Protection. • Played a key role in planning and executing new or upgraded IT infrastructure, meticulously documenting processes and changes for end-users and IT staff.

Completed Projects • Assisted with migration users from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 • Testing Windows 10 Enterprise Edition and developing new images for mass deployment • Assisting with migration users from Office 2007 and 2010 to Office 365 • Built a Microsoft Deployment Kit Server from scratch to work with Windows Deployment PXE Boot server • Built test environment for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2012 R2 and currently managing Windows updates for local site and remote locations in working environment Daily Duties includes the following:- • Providing day to day IT support using phone, email and in person • Remote support using Teamviewer, Remote Desktop and Join Me application • Supporting issues relating to operating system ranging from Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 • Troubleshooting all Microsoft Outlook/Word/Excel 2010,2013 and Office 365 issues • Troubleshooting any LAN,WIFI and cabling related issues • Active directory support ranging from reset password, disabling user, checking permission • Setting up new workstation, VPN setup, imaging systems • Moblie device support from Black Berry, Android, Iphone • Support network printers and multifunction devices (copier / printer / scanners) • Various Office equipment support ranging from projectors, conference phones, video conferencing, phone systems

• Hands-on training in computer hardware, applied Internet technology, system diagnostics, local area network installation and maintenance, data communication techniques and network administrative tasks using tools and equipment from CISCO, IBM, Microsoft