Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
Balakrishnan Raju

Balakrishnan Raju

London,United Kingdom

Summary

A highly skilled professional with certifications in Microsoft Azure and VMware, demonstrating expertise as an Azure Administrator Associate and proficiency in Azure Fundamentals. Holds a VCP Certified Profession and Microsoft Certified Profession, showcasing a strong foundation in cloud computing and virtualisation technologies. Committed to leveraging technical skills to drive innovation and efficiency within dynamic IT environments.


Experienced Project Manager known for delivering complex projects on time and within scope. Skilled in stakeholder management, team leadership, and process optimisation, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction. Known for driving project success through strategic planning, risk management, and collaborative problem-solving.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Wintel-Infrastructure Project Manager

Wipro Technologies
London
11.2023 - 05.2025
  • Setup Cloud Cost Optimization as Service and compliance as Service.
  • Achieved +25% Gross Profit Margin on SOW services by efficient expense control.
  • Provided Cost Optimization for all Managed services projects.
  • Spearheaded Azure service Certification Program and helped team/organization achieve the certification.
  • IT manager, with extensive experience in IT technology services delivery, process review and continuous improvement to meet SLA.
  • Managed service delivery for various towers including Wintel, Linux/Unix, Virtualisation, Citrix, Database, Network services, Storage/Backup, End User Computing and O365 and administrative processes, Implementing process into existing customer environment.
  • Provide efficient work by identifying potential systematic problems that impede client satisfaction such as validation errors and systemic errors in timely manner.
  • Managing, leading a inspired team of 120+ Leads, Engineers, Consultant in managed services into successful delivery.
  • Work with solution Architects to provide solutions for various customer requirements.
  • Handled SAP upgrade Projects, Cloud migrations, setting up end to end infrastructure using Ansible /Terraform, understanding the requirements.
  • Developed automated processes to streamline service delivery operations, reducing manual tasks.
  • Conduct Weekly Service review meetings with customer in solving potential issues.
  • Supported disaster recovery planning and exercises from technical/Lead.
  • Expedited issue resolution to minimise delays in project timelines.
  • Guided the development of project objectives, established clear performance expectations.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time.

Infrastructure Datacentre Service Transition and Transformation SME

Wipro Technologies
Chennai, India
07.2020 - 09.2023
  • Enhanced client confidence by transition & Transformation ahead of schedule and within the timeline.
  • Setup end to end operations offshore team.
  • Provided Cost Optimization for all Managed services projects.
  • Developed compelling presentations with relevant data, garnering positive feedback from stakeholders.
  • Consulted regularly with clients about their needs and requirements, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
  • Improved team's technical skills with comprehensive training programmes.
  • Implemented new strategies for improved knowledge transfer.
  • Collaborated closely with colleagues on project work, leading to successful outcomes.
  • Provided expert advice on subject matter to senior management team.

Wintel Project Lead

Wipro Technologies
08.2018 - 06.2020
  • Migration and Implementation of 600 Dell Servers.
  • Involved in planning, designing and implementation of Windows and VMware during migration phase.
  • Cabling sheet prepared and worked with Local team to complete the cabling.
  • Firmware/Drivers updated to latest level without any issues.
  • Co-ordinate with Network team to complete VLAN configuration.
  • Built /certified the servers, set up and discovered Wipro standard tools for Antivirus and Monitoring.
  • Resolved issues during migration phase and managed steady state support.
  • Successfully completed the project within the agreed time frame and handed-over to business.
  • Worked with Microsoft to get the RAP assessment report for Windows failover Cluster.
  • Analyzed the RAP assessment report & filtered based on priority.
  • Involved in planning and implementation of changes in production failover clusters.
  • Remediated High & Critical findings on priority.
  • Shared the final report to customer for review & get sign off.
  • Understanding the business and technical requirements for the solution.
  • Analyzing the business and technical requirements for the transition.
  • Assessing the business and technical risks of altering the operations environment, and coming up with ways to mitigate those risks.
  • Creating a detailed plan document with all the pertinent information.
  • Transition successfully completed and got sign off from business.

Technical Lead - VMware/Windows

Woolworth
01.2017 - 08.2018
  • Have engaged as a project resource, Involved in implementing new technology upgrades for Physical/Virtual Servers running in Windows / VMware environment.
  • Worked on C7000 Infrastructures, ESX and ESXi hosts, all version of VC servers.
  • Performed initial capacity placement based on application team requirements.
  • Involved in V2V, P2V of existing servers to new infrastructure.
  • Windows Server 2000 / 2003 and 2008 administrations.
  • Managing Cluster Services Installation & Administration.
  • Managing file servers (MS Cluster servers) and SQL database clusters and extensively working knowledge on Windows 2003 / 2008 MS clusters with mount volumes, also involved on host based storage migration on clustered servers.
  • Providing remote infrastructure support for the managed servers to the multiple clients.
  • Managing HW issues Vendor coordination.
  • Anti-Virus updates and MS Patches Management. Installing hot fixes and utilities using Manual, Update Expert and Opsware tool.
  • Active Directory Services Managing Users & Other Resource objects.
  • Managing Active directory, DNS and DHCP Servers.

Associate CONSULTANT

HCL Technologies
02.2015 - 01.2017
  • Managing Data Centre Operations for Wintel Tower.
  • Responsible for Data Centre Operations, achieving SLAs, managing critical incidents, Managing Vendor Support & executing Projects.
  • Led the Wintel Team Professional during DR activity.
  • End to End Project life cycle management for wintel Physical hosts.
  • Attending meeting with clients.
  • Taking part in CAB meetings.
  • Providing technical approval for technical changes.
  • Submitting capacity & team performance reports.
  • Updating CMDB for monthly billing.
  • Participate in RCA calls.

Technical Service Specialist

IBM India
03.2012 - 02.2015
  • Handling cluster migration 2012 R2.
  • Handling windows 2003 to windows 2008 migration.
  • Provide 8/5 with on-call support for Windows.
  • Managing around 500+ Windows servers hosted on HP, IBM and Guest OS.

Lead Infrastructure Engineer

MPHASIS AN HP COMPANY
12.2000 - 03.2012
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments to ensure IT compliance.
  • Retired outdated hardware safely, reducing potential security risks.
  • Reduced downtime through stringent system monitoring protocols.
  • Developed comprehensive documentation to support training and knowledge transfer.
  • · Provide 24\7 with on-call support for Windows for following clients (EMBARQ \ AINA \ VERIGY \ CONVATEC\UK IMEA\EMEA N&C).
  • · Managing around 1000+ Windows servers hosted on DELL, HP, Compaq, IBM and VMware ESX / Hyper-V host and Guest OS.
  • · Upgrading firmware and driver on half yearly cycles.
  • · Proactively analyzing the occurring problems and finding root cause and implementing solutions.
  • · Participating in CAB \ TRB call for change implementation.
  • · Implementing Security \ Vulnerability fixes found from EPCM, SAS70 audits.
  • · Coordinating with site and vendor in getting faulty component replaced.
  • · Conducting Knowledge sharing session within team to stay updated on latest technologies.
  • · Coordinating for all project related activities.
  • · Project Team:
  • o Part of EMEA NC add on team.
  • o Handling servers TOP and decommission.
  • ü Handling server builds through ILO, DRAC & Opsware.
  • ü Handling ePCM tools to check the server.
  • ü Handling server certifications with all necessary checks.
  • ü Request to add the new server to antivirus console.
  • ü Request for NIC ip's.
  • ü Coordinating with SAN team to get the disk details.
  • o Working on SRF which is created by onsite team.
  • ü Handling SRF for TOP & Decommission process.
  • ü Created sub task for other teams.
  • ü Coordinating with other teams for subtask.

Senior Server Engineer

NEBULA COMPUTERS
10.2005 - 11.2007
  • Administered databases efficiently, ensuring optimal performance at all times.
  • Designed scalable network infrastructure for improved data transfer efficiency.
  • Optimised server space utilisation through effective virtualisation techniques.
  • Boosted server performance with the optimisation of hardware configurations.

Customer support Engineer

LINKS TECHNOLOGIES
01.2003 - 09.2005
  • Assisted in training new hires on support protocols, enhancing overall team efficiency.
  • Improved customer satisfaction with diligent troubleshooting of technical issues.
  • Enhanced system performance to improve client satisfaction.
  • De-escalated tense situations with clients through excellent communication skills, fostering positive relationships in the process.

Field service engineer

INIT Systems
12.2000 - 12.2002
  • Troubleshot complex technical issues to enhance equipment functionality.
  • Conducted in-depth training sessions to boost team competency levels.
  • Fostered strong relationships with clients, enhanced business reputation and loyalty.
  • Streamlined work processes through the implementation of automation techniques.

Service Technician

JR PHERIPHERALS
05.2000 - 12.2000
  • Interpreted technical diagrams and schematics effectively, aiding accurate problem diagnosis.
  • Tested electrical systems meticulously thereby avoiding potential hazards related to faulty wiring.
  • Implemented preventive maintenance plans that prolonged the lifespan of machinery and equipment substantially.
  • Improved equipment functionality with regular maintenance tasks.

Education

Diploma - Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Shanumugha
India

Skills

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
  • VCP Certified Profession
  • Microsoft Certified Profession
  • Advanced excel proficiency
  • Budgeting oversight
  • Proficient in jira
  • Time scheduling and allocation
  • Resource scheduling

Certification

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
  • VCP Certified Professional
  • Microsoft Certified Professional

Affiliations

  • Travelling, Watching Movies

Timeline

Wintel-Infrastructure Project Manager

Wipro Technologies
11.2023 - 05.2025

Infrastructure Datacentre Service Transition and Transformation SME

Wipro Technologies
07.2020 - 09.2023

Wintel Project Lead

Wipro Technologies
08.2018 - 06.2020

Technical Lead - VMware/Windows

Woolworth
01.2017 - 08.2018

Associate CONSULTANT

HCL Technologies
02.2015 - 01.2017

Technical Service Specialist

IBM India
03.2012 - 02.2015

Senior Server Engineer

NEBULA COMPUTERS
10.2005 - 11.2007

Customer support Engineer

LINKS TECHNOLOGIES
01.2003 - 09.2005

Lead Infrastructure Engineer

MPHASIS AN HP COMPANY
12.2000 - 03.2012

Field service engineer

INIT Systems
12.2000 - 12.2002

Service Technician

JR PHERIPHERALS
05.2000 - 12.2000

Diploma - Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Shanumugha

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