AHMET SAFAK

+1 309 846 2288

safakahmet@gmail.com

WORKING EXPERIENCE

8/2012 – Present Senior System / Database Administrator

Heartland Community College – Normal, IL USA

  · Managed all of the College Database Systems.

  Ø Automated SQL Server administration across the college

  Ø Designed and implemented a standard backup scheme that improves storage efficiency and enables point-intime

database recovery for all critical database systems such as PeopleSoft, Blackboard and SharePoint.

  Ø Implemented and standardized all of the database maintenance jobs such as cleaning up history, rebuilding

indexes, updating database statistics or checking database integrity, and e-mail notifications on critical

database systems.

  Ø Developed scripts to copy database transaction log backups to another location for disaster recovery purposes

in case of a catastrophic failure within the day.

  Ø Researched and configured database features based on the recommendations of the software providers to

improve efficiency and performance for critical systems.

  Ø Provided support for database related issues and user tickets regarding database related problems.

  Ø Implemented database mirroring and data replication for critical database systems.

  · Participated as a technical lead in Enterprise Data Warehouse Project.

  Ø Installed and configured SQL Server Database Server Family (2012 & 2014) with SQL Server Analysis Services

(SSAS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).

  Ø Upgraded BI database systems to SQL Server 2014.

  Ø Installed and configured Microsoft SharePoint 2013.

  Ø Implemented Microsoft Business Intelligent (BI) Tools based on Microsoft SharePoint 2013 and enabled

integration with other systems.

  Ø Developed reports and SSAS cubes and integrated them to SharePoint BI system.

  Ø Migrated old reporting databases from MS Access to SQL Server.

  · Managed Integration among various internal or external systems.

  Ø Developed queries and implemented SQL Server Integration Server (SSIS) Packages for data integration

between PeopleSoft and various other systems such as SARS GRID, SARS ALRT, and TutorTrac.

  Ø Managed inbound or outbound data transfers with external systems using SFTP connections or web services.

  Ø Maintained and improved PeopleSoft Integration with Active Directory and Blackboard via PowerShell scripts.

  Ø Developed ETL Processes for College Business Intelligence System.

  · Provided support for SharePoint systems.

  Ø Participated as an active member in discussions of SharePoint 2.0 projects regarding improvement and

implementation of SharePoint solutions for the college.

  Ø Performed SharePoint Work center upgrades.

  Ø Provided system level support on system configuration and security administration of SharePoint 2010 and

2013 systems.

  · Administered College Identity Management (IDM) System.

  Ø Maintained and continued development of Java based IDM Web Application which enables other users to

manage identities among all interrelated systems.

  Ø Managed, improved and developed IDM scripts which includes various programming languages such as Java,

Visual Basic, PowerShell, Batch, and People Code.

  Ø Provided support on IDM related issues and troubleshot problems on IDM system or other interrelated systems

such as Active Directory, PeopleSoft Databases and Systems, Google Mail System, and Password Station.

  Ø Actively participated in Identity Management Team Meetings.

  · Managed College Blackboard LMS System.

  Ø Managed server and Infrastructure upgrades for annual Blackboard Upgrade Projects.

  Ø Performed service pack, cumulative patch and building block upgrades.

  Ø Provided support for server level Blackboard issues and troubleshot problems.

  Ø Maintained Blackboard Systems and managed archiving process.

  Ø Implemented Blackboard Google Docs integration for seamlessly sharing multimedia files and documents.

  · Administered PeopleSoft Enterprise Systems (FSCM 9.1 with People Tools 8.50, PeopleSoft Enterprise HRMS and

Campus Solutions 9.0 with People Tools 8.53), Servers, and Application Infrastructure.

  Ø Planned and managed Server and Infrastructure upgrades for PeopleSoft People Tools 8.53 Upgrade Project.

Delivered a major improvement on the security and standardization of the PeopleSoft environment.

  Ø Provided technical support for PeopleSoft Human Capital Management 9.2 Upgrade.

  Ø Researched, redesigned, and implemented production environment infrastructure of PeopleSoft Application

Servers and Process Schedulers for optimizing resource allocation, improving efficiency and performance.

  Ø Planned and managed PeopleSoft Database Upgrade Project from SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 R2

without any downtime.

  Ø Configured PeopleSoft Integration Broker, Search Engine, REN Server, Process Scheduler Processes and

Report nodes, Portal Settings, Web Profiles, and other system related settings.

  Ø Maintained and configured security related settings such as Single Sign on, LDAP, CAS Authentication, Roles,

Permissions Lists, and User Profiles in PeopleSoft.

  Ø Installed and configured Oracle Tuxedo, Web Logic, People Tools 8.50-8.53, and Oracle Secure Enterprise

Search and implemented PeopleSoft Update Manager (PUM).

  Ø Implemented People Tools File Server and developed automatic installation scripts for client installations

including PS/nVision support.

  Ø Performed patch, bundle, maintenance pack, and tax upgrades on PeopleSoft systems using Change Assistant,

Application Designer, and Data Mover.

  Ø Resolved a history of problematic printing issues on PeopleSoft FSCM 9.1 system for printing checks and other

official documents that require authorized signatures.

  Ø Provided development support for improvements on PeopleSoft app engine programs, SQR and Crystal reports

for the issues identified.

  Ø Automatized the COBOL compiling process via scripts for all production and development environments.

  Ø Installed, configured, maintained, and improved PeopleSoft Application Servers, Process Schedulers, Web

Servers and Database systems.

  Ø Provided support for user tickets and troubleshot problems.

  Ø Revamped development environment infrastructure of PeopleSoft systems for standardization and retired old

servers.

  Ø Automatized and improved the efficiency of Refresh Process, which refreshes PeopleSoft development

environments from Production.

  Ø Served as a technical lead in Address Entry Validation project for PeopleSoft environments.

  Ø Provided support for production migrations of the developed solutions.

  · Administered College Web Systems.

  Ø Maintained and continued Java development for College Student Portal which is based on uPortal.

  Ø Developed portlets for College Student Portal.

  Ø Maintained and configured all of the College Web Servers based on various server software such as Apache

HTTP Server, Apache Tomcat, Apache Load Balancer, and Microsoft IIS.

  Ø Managed College Central Authentication System based on CAS.

  Ø Provided support on the system level problems regarding college web systems.

  · Led series of group discussions in forming I.T. Department vision and goals.

  · Participated as a technical lead in Microsoft CRM 2013 Project.

  · Provided technical support and recommendations for solutions as a project member in various PeopleSoft Projects

(Nelnet, Admissions Module), and Video/Multimedia Server project.

  · Provided system level support in the areas of responsibility such as troubleshooting, fixes, updates, and routine

maintenance works on various systems.

  · Provided support on the domain management systems such as Active Directory, Group Policy management, DNS.

  · Installed, configured, and managed server operating systems (e.g. Microsoft Windows 2003, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012,

2012 R2; Linux Red Hat Enterprise) including share and storage management, Failover Cluster Manager, DFS, and

Hyper-V management with System Center Virtual Machine Manager.

  · Provided support on configuring Citrix Netscaler Load Balancer.

  · Prepared and maintained documentation for step-by-step guides, technical procedures, system diagrams and other

related documents for the areas of responsibility.

  · Actively participated in the Backup System Evaluation and Implementation project; researched and recommended

Data Protection solutions for gaining a broader perspective about the available systems in the market.

  · Provided in-house training to peers on SSIS.

  · Served in several search committees for open I.T. positions within college.

  · Nominated and awarded for Peer Support Award 2013.

1/2010 – 8/2012 G.A. Technical Support Asst.

Illinois State University – Normal, IL USA

  · Served as Instructor of Telecommunications Technology (TEC383), which provides required content knowledge for

the Cisco CCNA exam that includes LAN and WAN management, routing, and switching on Cisco devices.

  · Used Blackboard and Sakai Learning Management Systems (LMS) for course management as an instructor.

  · Redesigned and managed the telecommunications lab which includes Cisco routers, switches, and computers for

Telecommunications Technology class.

  · Assisted Department of Technology System Administrator with maintenance and support of the Department of

Technology computer labs and systems.

  · Assisted in responding to and resolving I.T. issues for departmental faculty and staff.

  · Assisted in departmental support for server systems such as Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V, Microsoft App-V,

WSUS, various license servers and business applications.

  · Installed and managed Microsoft App-V Management server for virtual application streaming and deployment.

  · Sequenced various applications including dynamic suite composition and OSD scripting for FTAs, shortcuts and

environmental variables on Microsoft App-V system.

  · Assisted in troubleshooting departmental hardware/software problems in a Windows environment.

  · Provided support for installation, maintenance and troubleshooting issues on Microsoft Server operating systems

(e.g. Microsoft Windows 2003, 2008, and 2008 R2).

  · Provided support for Microsoft SQL Server Database systems (2008, 2008 R2).

  · Developed batch files for automatizing installation process of software on client computers

6/2011 – 8/2011

I.T. Analyst

Exelon Corporation – Clinton, IL USA

  · Installed various MS-Windows Operating systems and other software.

  · Installed basic computer components and setup computers in offices.

  · Assisted in troubleshooting hardware/software problems in a Windows environment.

  · Replaced user computers as a part of annual computer refresh project.

  · Developed a script to automatize the migration of Windows user profiles using User State Migration Tool (USMT)

and significantly reduced the duration of Refresh project.

  · Provided helpdesk support for user requests and problems using Remedy helpdesk software.

9/2009 – 12/2009 Level 2 Computer Technician

Illinois State University – Normal, IL USA

  · Provided help desk support both phone and on-site for College of Applied Science and Technology faculty and staff.

  · Created and prioritized help desk tickets for College of Applied Science and Technology faculty and staff.

  · Installed various MS-Windows Operating systems and other software.

  · Installed basic computer components and setup computers in offices.

1/2007 – 8/2009

I.T. Specialist

EBC Eczacibasi-Beiersdorf Cosmetic Products - Istanbul

  · Served as Division Leader of I.T. Infrastructure, Network and Microsoft Systems.

  · Served as Network administrator of EBC LAN and WAN that connects EBC headquarter to warehouse, Eczacibasi

headquarter and Beiersdorf corporate headquarter in Germany, which exclusively consist of Cisco routers, switches

and access points.

  · Provided technical support and assistance for user problems and requests using Remedy and HP Service Manager

helpdesk systems for both Eczacibasi and Beiersdorf.

  · Managed relocation project of EBC I.T. infrastructure that includes redesigning and implementation of overall

network infrastructure with all WAN and LAN connections, cabling, Cisco routers, switches and server systems.

  · Implemented of IBM Tivoli Storage Manager Backup System as Team Leader.

  · Served as Project Leader for Microsoft CRM 4.0 implementation project.

  · Served as Project Leader for the Server Consolidation Project with Microsoft Hyper-V Server to achieve cost

advantages and ease management of server systems.

  · Served as Project member for implementation of SAP BW Systems for the divisions of Sales-Marketing-Material

Movement and Product Planning (specific contribution focused on the SAP Basis Support on Oracle 10g database).

  · Created the notion of Contingency Planning at EBC (completed the necessary documentation for this purpose and

improved the I.T. infrastructure in accordance with the planning).

  · Provided system level support in the areas of responsibility such as troubleshooting, fixes, updates and routine

maintenance.

  · Provided support on the domain management systems such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, WINS and Group

Policy management.

  · Installed, configured and managed server operating systems (e.g. Microsoft Windows 2003, 2008, 2008 R2)

including file and print servers, Failover Cluster Manager and DFS.

  · Maintained and configured EBC’s intranet site on Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS).

  · Managed EBC’s database systems that include Microsoft SQL Server 2005, IDM DB2, and Oracle 10g.

  · Implemented and maintained EBC’s Virtual Server Infrastructure based on Microsoft Hyper-V.

  · Managed security and configuration of EBC’s SharePoint site.

  · Developed SQL queries and scripts (Visual Basic, PowerShell, and bash) for integration among different systems

and for reporting purposes.

  · Managed Hummingbird Document Management System.

  · Served as a project member in the Exchange Server Upgrade Project from 2003 to 2007.

4/2005 – 1/2007

Information Technologies Administrator

ASPEN Yapi ve Zemin Sistemleri - Istanbul

  · Served as Administrator of the I.T. Department which involved overseeing the I.T. infrastructure and the ERP

application, Mikro ERP system with the SQL Server 2000 database.

  · Administered corporate network (telephony network, LAN and WAN infrastructure that were used for VPN

connections) that included 9 branch offices nationwide in addition to headquarter.

  · Troubleshot network related problems on Cisco routers and switches among ten different locations and responded

to user requests and resolved arising issues.

  · Served as Project Leader for Network improvement and consolidation project which combined frame relay

telephony network and data network on the same WAN lines by using VoIP and Cisco network devices with

G.SHDSL technology.

  · Customized and developed Accounting, Finance and Logistics reports for the ERP System using SSMS, SSRS,

SSAS, and Crystal Reports.

  · Served as a Project Member for the ERP System material cost implementation and provided training for factory

personnel about the new implemented module.

  · Configured and maintained ASPEN’s Linux based Iptables firewall.

  · Provided support on internal web sites hosted on Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS).

  · Implemented and managed Virtual Server Infrastructure with Microsoft Virtual Server 2005.

  · Administered ASPEN’s Active Directory domain, DNS, WINS and DHCP servers and group policies.

  · Managed all of server systems such as file and print servers, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server,

terminal server and backup system.

  · Maintained and configured ASPEN’s database systems based on SQL Server 2000 database

  · Managed Exchange Server 2003 system.

  · Installed, configured and managed server operating systems (e.g. Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows

2003).

  · Developed SQL queries and scripts (Visual Basic, batch) for system automation and integration.

11/2004 – 4/2005 Technical Services-Network Administrator

Bimtes Electronics Lab.- Istanbul

  · Served as Head of the Technical Services Department.

  · Served as Consultant and Project Manager for Information Systems Infrastructure and network projects.

  · Worked in network projects that includes designing, redesigning and implementing of LAN and WAN infrastructures

which includes Cisco, 3com and Linksys network devices for various customers.

  · Provided Level 2 & 3 I.T. support for I.T. Systems in responding to and resolving issues for both in-house users and

the contracted customers.

  · Administered and improved in-house network system by redesigning LAN infrastructure using Cisco switches.

  · Administered internal and external websites hosted on Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS).

  · Installed, configured and managed server operating systems (e.g. Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 2000,

and Microsoft Windows 2003).

  · Managed Bimtes’s Active Directory domain, DNS, DHCP and WINS servers hosted on Microsoft Windows NT.

  · Maintained and configured SQL Server 2000 database system which hosted Bimtes’s custom built asset and

inventory management application.

  · Managed Bimtes’s firewall based on Microsoft ISA Server 2000.

  · Developed batch files for automatizing installation process on client computers.

2/2003 – 3/2004 System Support Specialist

Mikrosis Computer Education Center - Istanbul

  · Provided freelance support for various network (LAN, WAN) and web projects as a specialist.

  · Provided both phone and onsite helpdesk support to customer requests and problems.

  · Served as a member of the design team that put together the publications for the company.

  · Provided support on the Microsoft IIS which hosts multiple websites of the clients.

  · Provided support on installation and configuration of Microsoft server operating systems (Microsoft Windows Server

2000 & Microsoft Windows Server 2003).

  · Installed and configured AD, DNS, DHCP, and implemented Group Policies for the clients.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

2011 – 2013

M.S. in Project Management

  · Enrolled in Training & Development Sequence [GPA (4.00/4)].

  · Nominated and awarded for Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award 2012.

2009 – 2011

M.S. in Information Systems

Illinois State University

  · Enrolled in Information Assurance and Security Sequence [GPA (4.00/4)].

  · Nominated and awarded for Distinguished Graduate Student Award 2011.

  · Used EnCase software for various scenarios to acquire evidence from compromised systems in TEC 400 Forensic

Analysis Tools course

  · Worked as a project leader or member in various Java software development projects for classes IT275, IT494,

IT495.

1999 – 2003

B.Sc. in Electrical-Electronics Engineering

Istanbul Uni., Faculty of Engineering

  · Completed in top 10% of class, and finished in top 5% of Communications branch.

  · Submitted graduate thesis on “Routing and Tunneling in Mobile IP”.

1992 – 1999

CERTIFICATES

2013 Project Management Certificate / Training & Development Certificate

2011 Systems Analyst Certificate / Information Assurance & Security Certificate

2008 Business Continuity in case of emergency

2008

2006

2005

2004

2004

2003

Microsoft CRM Customization and Configuration

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices

Linux Red Hat Networking and Administration

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE

  · Programming: SQL (Advanced), MDX, C#, Java (Advanced), Visual Basic, Pascal, HTML, XML, Scripting (VB

script, PowerShell, bash), ABAP, SQR, People Code.

  · Software: SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Server Data Tools, MS Visual Studio, Eclipse IDE, SharePoint

Designer, Report Builder, MS Office Professional Plus Suite, MS Visio, MS Project, Primavera Project Management,

Crystal Reports, MS Windows 95/NT4.0/98/2000Pro./XP/Vista/7/8 Operating Systems, Mac OSX, Linux Client

Operating Systems, EnCase Forensic Analysis, PeopleSoft AppDesigner, PeopleSoft Data Mover, PeopleSoft

Change Assistant, Putty, WinSCP, Beyond Compare, Matlab, Adobe Creative Suite(Photoshop, Illustrator,

InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash).

  · Infrastructure: Networking, TCP/IP, Ethernet, PC Hardware, Network Hardware and Cabling system, LAN (Wired

and Wireless Communication), WAN, Switching and Routing (Cisco, 3com, HP), VoIP.

  · Server Systems: Microsoft SQL Server 2000-2005-2008-2012-2014 – MySQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle 10g, SQL

Server Analysis Services (SSAS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Reporting Services

(SSRS), Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007-2010-2013, Microsoft SharePoint BI Tools, Linux Operating Systems,

High School Diploma

Kirklareli Anatolian High School, Kirklareli

  · Awarded highest degree of academic honors consistently throughout (GPA 5.00/5).

Illinois State University

MS Windows 2000 – 2003 - 2008 – 2012 Server Families, Microsoft Active Directory – Linux Samba, DNS, DHCP,

WINS, Group Policy Management, MS ISA Server – Linux IP Tables, MS Exchange Server – Qmail Mail Exchanger,

Microsoft CRM 4.0-2013, Microsoft IIS - Apache Web Server, Apache Tomcat, uPortal, CAS, WSUS, SAP Basis,

MS OCS Server 2007, MS System Center Family, MS Virtual Server 2005, MS Hyper-V, VMWARE, Citrix Xen

Server, Microsoft App-V, PeopleSoft Enterprise FSCM 9.1, PeopleSoft HRMS and Campus Solutions 9.0, People

Tools 8.50-8.53, Oracle Weblogic, Oracle Tuxedo, Blackboard LMS 9.0-9.1, Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Green I.T., Virtualization, Cloud Computing, ERP Systems, Business Intelligence, Big Data.

LANGUAGES

Fluent in English. Native Turkish. Intermediate German. Novice in Spanish.