About Me
Posted on 05.Jan 2010 by Ray Heffer in
I’m 35 years old and live in the United Kingdom working as a Senior Consultant for VMware. I have had a passion for computing and technology since I was 8 years old when my father bought me a Commodore 64 for my birthday. Technology has moved in leaps and bounds since then but I remain just an enthusiastic about technology! (I still have the C64!)
The Japanese language is another one of my passions, and have been studying the language since 2005. I recently visited Japan in 2011 which was a truly amazing experience and something I’d definitely do again.
Professional Profile
Since 1997 I have been working as an IT professional and consultant within commercial, government and public sector environments in ‘hands on’ technical and team lead roles. My peers and colleagues would certainly support my claim that I have an insatiable passion for the technology and industry I have been so fortunate to specialise in.
My main area of expertise is virtualisation, having implemented server consolidation and virtual infrastructure solutions since 2006 when I started working with VMware ESX 2.53. In 2007 I gained my first VCP certification (VI3), and since re-certified with VCP4 and 5. In late 2011 I also certified with the VMware Advanced Certified Professional (VCAP) exams, VCAP-DCA and VCAP-DCD.
Throughout my career I have also delivered technical solutions to SME corporate customers, with Microsoft server technologies (Exchange, SQL, ISA, Windows Server 2008), and Linux solutions (RedHat Enterprise / CentOS).
I am also a member of the BCS Chartered IT Professional (MBCS CITP) in addition to holding certifications; VCP3/4/5, VCAP-DCA/DCD4, Microsoft MCSE, ITIL v3 Foundation, Platespin CPSA, and a new ISEB qualification in 2009 (EU Code of Conduct for Data Centres).
Skills Summary
| Skill | Level |
|---|---|
| Virtualisation (Server & Desktop) | VCAP-DCA/DCD4, VCP 3/4/5, VTSP4/5 | Expert level since 2006 having delivered VMware virtualisation solutions for Civica Connect (internet hosting), an recently for a government regulator with an award winning project and case study. Experience includes VMware ESX 2.53 – 4 (vSphere), GSX, Server, VDM / View, Workstation 7. |
| Citrix XenDesktop 3&4 | Advanced knowledge having delivered large scale VDI deployments with Citrix XenApp, XenServer and CAG Advanced load balanced (Zeus) implementations. | |
| VMware LabManager 3&4 | Expert level with multiple workspace configurations for large development team, and UAT of over 100 users. | |
| Microsoft Server Technologies | MCSE Certified | Expert knowledge of Active Directory (since NT4, Windows 2000 – Windows 2008). |
| Exchange 2007 (since 2000) | Solid background delivering expert consultancy for many Exchange implementations and migrations. Most recent deployment includes Exchange 2007 with replicated DR implementation. | |
| ISA 2006 (since 2000) | Large enterprise deployments for commercial customers, providing advanced consultancy expertise. | |
| SQL 2008 (since 2000) | Advanced knowledge and solid history implementing and supporting Microsoft SQL clusters with Dell & HP blade technology. | |
| Server Infrastructure | HP c7000, Dell PowerEdge | Very strong background with HP c7000 blade systems, with migrations from Dell PowerEdge 1955. Expert level knowledge of blade system configuration, including Cisco and Brocade fibre modules, Insight Manager and ILO. |
| HP Proliant DL, ML | Since 1998 working on technical builds with Compaq & HP DL and ML series, including deployments using new G6. | |
| Server deployments using Altiris / Rapid Deploy, Acronis Advanced Server & Snap Deploy, and Linux (Redhat) Kickstart installations. | |
| SAN Storage | HP, EqualLogic, EMC & Datacore | Advanced technical implementations since 2006, delivering multiple SAN solutions for commercial and government projects. |
| Fibre Channel & iSCSI | Expert knowledge implementing HP Brocade fabric, Sphereon, and McData fibre channel. In addition to iSCSI implementations with VMware, Datacore and Cisco. | |
| Linux | RHEL, CentOS | Since first using Unix (SCO) in 1992, throughout my career I have developed an advanced level of knowledge with Unix and Linux, shell scripting, and web server solutions for a commercial ISP. |
| Networking | Cisco | Advanced since 2000, with strong background in 3rd line support (ISP) working with Cisco ASA, PIX, and Catalyst switches. |
| Vyatta | Advanced level implementations of Vyatta virtual (open-source) router, providing Test and DR environments. |
The postings on this site are my own and do not represent VMware’s positions, strategies or opinions.
