Aubrey Zemba

Senior Technical Consultant of Hosting Operations

About Me

Well-rounded and dynamic Senior Technical Consultant with extensive experience across various IT departments and fields. Proven expertise in cloud technology, network security, and a solid understanding of AI, with a strong track record in designing, implementing, and managing IT infrastructure and hosting operations. Committed to enhancing computer security and data privacy, proficient in configuring network devices, and maintaining SQL environments. Demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic planning abilities.

Passionate about AI, with hands-on experience in prompt engineering, machine learning, and deploying AI models. Currently expanding expertise in AI and cloud services, aiming to integrate innovative AI solutions into existing systems and workflows to drive efficiency, automation, and smarter decision-making processes.

Work Experience

Senior Technical Consultant of Hosting Operations
Dye & Durham Corporation (formerly Korbicom)
Aug 2022 - Present
  • Onboard and deploy new clients into Azure hosting environment, ensuring smooth transitions and client satisfaction
  • Maintain Azure hosting environment and deployed resources, overseeing multiple subscriptions and configuring site-to-site and point-to-site VPNs between Azure and customer networks
  • Troubleshoot deployment issues and manage SQL server environments, including backups and installations of SQL and GhostPractice, a legal software by D&D
  • Compile Site Assessment Reports by analyzing client information, summarizing server and workstation specifications, and recommending minimum requirements
  • Provide comprehensive support for all GhostPractice-related technical issues and conduct risk assessments to mitigate potential issues before impacting operations
  • Offer expert guidance on technology integration and lead troubleshooting efforts for complex technical problems, enhancing client productivity and satisfaction
  • Establish credibility as an expert consultant through participation in conference presentations, client liaising, change control, and high-level technical meetings
  • Develop client-specific technical documentation to assist with infrastructure planning and evaluate existing systems architecture, recommending upgrades or modifications based on analysis
  • Played a pivotal role in expanding the company's cloud offerings by leading the beta phase onboarding of clients and compiling a comprehensive report for management to assess the feasibility of a wider rollout
Infrastructure Engineer
Ecentric Payment Systems – Cape Town
Jul 2016 – Jul 2022
  • Configured and maintained network devices including: Routers, Switches, Load Balancers, Cisco ASA, FortiGate & FortiWeb, Web Application Firewalls ensuring security and performance
  • Implemented infrastructure changes and upgrades, planned and installed firmware updates, and documented configurations and issue resolutions
  • Monitored infrastructure for problem areas, addressed security vulnerabilities, and managed the full renewal process for over 50 publicly issued SSL certificates, requiring extensive coordination with internal and external parties, ensuring PCI/DSS compliance
  • Performed disaster recovery operations and regular data backups, contributing to system resilience
  • Provided cost estimates for project budgets, balancing cost-efficiency and quality
  • Utilized Linux (CentOS/RHEL) and analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware, configuration and network issues
  • Developed and maintained documentation for troubleshooting procedures and resolutions, assisting in creating internal knowledge base articles
  • Mentored and delegated to junior team members, enhancing their skills and team efficiency, and contributed insights in product and client onboarding technical meetings
  • Leveraged remote diagnostic tools to troubleshoot customer systems, saving time and resources, and communicated technical concepts clearly to customers and colleagues
  • Managed multiple high-priority tasks, participated in after-hours on-call rotations, and maintained up-to-date knowledge on company products and industry trends
  • Conducted regular performance reviews of network systems to identify areas for improvement, ensuring optimal operation and efficiency of IT infrastructure
2nd Line Support Engineer
Ecentric Payment Systems – Cape Town
Jun 2015 – Jun 2016
  • Acted as the first point of escalation from the Operations department for internal user requests, diligently resolving service requests by assigned priority and within SLA targets
  • Provided technical support to both internal and external clients/remote sites, troubleshooting and resolving issues efficiently
  • Working with wireless equipment including access points & controllers
  • Configured and managed CCTV system, firewalls, ensuring network security and compliance with organizational policies
  • Handled anti-virus installations and monitoring using Trend Micro
  • Understood and implemented SSL certificates, gradually taking on increased responsibilities over time
  • Performed hands-on installation and patch management tasks on network components such as routers, switches, and virtual machines
  • Supported: (Microsoft 365, Exchange, Active Directory)
IT Support Technician
Technology Corporate Management (TCM) – Johannesburg
Jul 2009 - Jan 2010
  • Diagnosed and corrected hardware/software issues for Standard Bank employees
  • Performed basic PC repairs, software upgrades, and network connections
  • Installed, tested, and configured new workstations, peripheral equipment, and software
  • Provided telephone, face-to-face, and online support to customers, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction
Tier 2 Technical Support
Sky – Belfast, United Kingdom
Jan 2008 - May 2008
  • Successfully handled complex broadband issues for Sky's home and small office broadband customers
  • Developed strong customer service skills and technical knowledge in a customer-facing environment
  • Resolved technical issues effectively and efficiently, ensuring timely resolutions
Customer Support Advisor
Firstsource – Belfast, United Kingdom
Jul 2007 - Dec 2007
  • Delivered outstanding customer service and resolved technical issues
  • Managed customer expectations and escalated issues as necessary
  • Assisted team members in resolving customer problems and queries

Skills

Python Programming
AI Integrations (API & Local)
Prompt Engineering and NLP
Network Engineering
Linux Administration
Cloud Infrastructure (Azure, AWS, GCP)
Research Methodologies
Project Management & Leadership
VPN Configuration (P2S/S2S)
Creative Problem Solving
SQL Server Management
SSL Certificate Administration
Strategic Planning & Delegation
Analytical Troubleshooting
Technical Communication

Education

Research in Informatics in Practice
Centre for Software Engineering – University of South Africa (UNISA)
2015
  • Problem conceptualization, ethics, and research processes using qualitative and quantitative approaches
  • Research evaluation tools, writing research purposes and objectives, and designing instruments for data collection
  • Population and sampling methods, literature review strategies, and data analysis and presentation
  • Early exploration of AI applications in informatics, focusing on practical implementations and theoretical foundations
  • Investigating the potential of AI to enhance data analysis and presentation techniques, contributing to novel research methodologies
Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology: Communication Networks
Nelson Mandela University – Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
2014

The Bachelor of Information Technology program prepares graduates to be versatile professionals capable of integrating and optimizing systems to meet the specific needs of businesses and enterprises in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.

  • Communication Networks IV: CCNP SWITCH, ROUTE, TSHOOT
  • Information and Technology Management IV: ITIL Foundation
  • Information Security IV: ISO27001, ISO27002, COBIT, King 3
  • Operating Systems IV: Microsoft System Center, Configuration Manager, Performance Monitor, Active Directory, Linux (Fedora 13)
  • Support Services IV: Project Management Principles
  • Organisational Readiness and Business Impact Analysis
  • Risk Management (Incident Response, Contingency Strategies, Business Continuity)
  • Project: Designing a Local Area Network for Lwandlekazi Senior Secondary School in New Brighton
National Diploma in Information Technology: Support Services
Nelson Mandela University - Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
2010 - 2014
  • Software Development: Microsoft Visual C#
  • Communication Networking: Cisco IT, Cisco CCNA
  • Operating and Information Systems: Operating Systems I, Information Systems I, II, Systems Software I, II, Distributed Systems II (Linux OS), Distributed Systems III (End Users, Windows Server)
  • IT Skills and Support Services: Information Technology Skills I (Help Desk), Support Services II, III, Installation Management III

Certifications

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) Certification
Cisco Certified Network Associate Course (NMU)
Cisco Certified Network Professional Course (NMU)
AZ-900: Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals Certification
Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals (IBM) Certification
LPIC-1 Linux Administrator Course (Torque IT)
NSE 1 and NSE 2 - Fortinet Network Security Associate
Currently pursuing AI-900: Microsoft Certified - Azure AI Fundamentals
Currently pursuing DP-900: Microsoft Certified - Azure Data Fundamentals
Currently pursuing AI-102: Microsoft Certified - Azure AI Engineer Associate

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