AFWAAN T. SIRAJ
37 ,Oxley Rise
Summary
Dynamic technology leader with a proven track record of spearheading digital transformation and implementing cutting-edge solutions in various industries. Specializes in enterprise architecture, IT/OT convergence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and analytics. Adept at forging strategic partnerships, guiding top-performing teams, and consistently surpassing objectives in global markets.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
TELCO AND PARTNER SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT
NIFE.IO
08.2024 - Current
- Drove adoption of NIFE.io's edge cloud platform across telcos and strategic enterprise clients, enabling modern applications (streaming, gaming, IoT) with reduced cloud and DevOps costs
- Collaborated with major telcos (e.g., Singtel, M1) to co-develop edge orchestration deployment strategies
- Delivered executive demos and solution walkthroughs to accelerate GTM and technical buy-in
- Supported GTM planning with sales teams and cultivated strong partner relationships to align NIFE.io's platform with customer transformation goals
APAC INDUSTRIES AND IOT SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
CISCO SYSTEMS
01.2019 - 05.2024
- Serve as a trusted technical advisor, guiding enterprises and partners through large-scale OT/ICS digital transformations
- Expertise includes Industrial Cybersecurity, Network Infrastructure, SD-WAN, Hybrid Cloud, Edge Intelligence and Analytics, 5G, Firewalls, Zero Trust Architecture, and XDR solutions
- Collaborate with Product Management & Engineering to provide input on product plans, roadmaps, and strategies
- Support partner and account teams in pursuing strategic opportunities across various verticals (Oil & Gas, Transportation, Utilities, Manufacturing, Mining)
- Deliver technical and business enablement workshops for customers and partners (75+)
- Collaborate with Account and Partner teams on RFPs, RFIs, customer presentations, and engagements to close critical opportunities
- Enablement lead for APJC, conducting training, webinars, and events for partners and internal teams
- Orchestrated the successful closure of significant accounts by collaborating with strategic partners (e.g., PSA, Dyson, Tenaga Berhad)
PARTNER TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIST
MICROSOFT-APAC
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Developed and enhanced practices within existing and newly recruited partners to ensure successful delivery of Cloud, Hybrid Azure, M365, and Cybersecurity solutions
- Collaborated with the ISV, GSI, and CSP partner ecosystem, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, technical enablement, sales planning, and go-to-market execution
- Managed partner readiness, provided quarterly readiness plans, and drove skills and talent development through roadshows, workshops, and deep engagement (40+ partners trained)
- Helped partners build deep technical skills in M365, Cloud Security, and Azure infrastructure and migration, resulting in faster sales cycles
- Cultivated strong relationships with key technical decision-makers and executives within assigned partners
- Supported partners on RFPs, RFIs, customer presentations, workshops, and events to close business opportunities
- Drove partner portfolio performance, achieving 140% performance for select partners
- Developed technical plans for key partner initiatives across distribution and SI channels (e.g., FPT, Metro Systems, Ingram Micro)
PARTNER AND DISTRIBUTION SALES ENGINEER
CISCO SYSTEMS
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Developed and implemented technical training content and demo capabilities across all Cisco architectures
- Assisted in identifying new products and skill sets for partners and distributors
- Represented Cisco at partner training, events, and roadshows, and assisted partners with pre-sales opportunities
- Ensured partners met certification requirements to drive Cisco business
- Ensured partner technical resources received appropriate product, solution, and architecture training
- Served as the key contact and escalation point for partner technical issues, and supported partners in closing RFIs, RFPs, and customer opportunities
- Created five solution sets with industry use cases for distribution, generating $3.5 million in revenue across three major distributors (140% quota attainment)
SENIOR TECHNICAL MARKETING ENGINEER
CISCO SYSTEMS
01.2007 - 12.2015
- Collaborated with product management and engineering to review and refine product requirements, and assisted business development and account teams with priority technology partnership engagements
- Supported channel partners with end-customer sales through workshops, training, tools, and updates
- Developed competitive business development and sales strategies, identifying new opportunities and flexible solutions
- Created demos and maximized product messaging for trade shows and events
- Partnered with account teams on customer POCs, trials, and demonstrations, contributing to major deal closures (e.g., 60k seats and displacing Microsoft at TCS)
- Developed hands-on setups of Cisco Collaboration Equipment for customer demonstrations and feedback
- Presented at roadshows, new product launches, and training sessions
- Collaborated with product management on new feature releases and provided field feedback from early field trails
- Executed Cisco's long-term strategy to meet strategic initiatives and revenue goals for assigned accounts
Education
Amazon Web Services - Solutions Architect Associate, IOT and Data Analytics, Security Specialization
VCP 5.0 - VMware Certified Professional
CCDP - Cisco Certified Design Professional
CCSI - Cisco Certified Instructor
MCSE - Microsoft Certified Sales Engineer
CISSP - Training complete
Pondicherry University
Microsoft Challenger Sales Program -
01.2018
MIT Solan Executive Education - Internet of Things and Digitization
01.2017
B.Tech - Computer Science
Central University of Pondicherry
01.2006
Skills
- Industry Event Engagement
- In-Depth Product Knowledge
- IoT Technology Expertise
- Consultative Sales Approach
- Product Launch Management
- Cloud Solutions Architecture
- Industrial Cybersecurity Management
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity Expertise
- Partner Training Development
- Workshops and Demo
Accomplishments
- Consistently exceeded sales targets, achieving 120% to 160% attainment for IOT and Industry Vertical portfolios across ASEAN and APJ., FY19-FY23
- Expanded industry distribution partnerships with Sonepar, Madison, and Vector Infotech, generating approximately $3 million USD in annual run-rate business.
- Closed 14 of 20 partner-led customer opportunities, resulting in 55,000 multiyear M365 cloud renewal contracts and new Azure practices.
- Developed differentiated service offerings across M365 cloud with 14 ASEAN partners, delivering 140% of KPI.
- Presented at major industry events, including Cloud Expo, Cisco Live, and Govtech.
- Led the deployment of 800+ video and Cisco Cloud Collaboration systems globally, ensuring high customer satisfaction and generating $60 million USD in revenue across APJC.
- Managed key programs (e.g., Drive to Cloud Collaboration and Video Everywhere) within the APAC partner community, securing a 30% year-over-year revenue increase.
- Developed a network path assessment tool that improved video deployment success and reduced escalations by 75%.
- Received 30+ Cisco Appreciation awards for outstanding achievements.
Timeline
TELCO AND PARTNER SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT
NIFE.IO
08.2024 - Current
APAC INDUSTRIES AND IOT SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
CISCO SYSTEMS
01.2019 - 05.2024
PARTNER TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIST
MICROSOFT-APAC
01.2016 - 12.2018
PARTNER AND DISTRIBUTION SALES ENGINEER
CISCO SYSTEMS
01.2015 - 12.2016
SENIOR TECHNICAL MARKETING ENGINEER
CISCO SYSTEMS
01.2007 - 12.2015
VCP 5.0 - VMware Certified Professional
CCDP - Cisco Certified Design Professional
CCSI - Cisco Certified Instructor
MCSE - Microsoft Certified Sales Engineer
CISSP - Training complete
Microsoft Challenger Sales Program -
MIT Solan Executive Education - Internet of Things and Digitization
Amazon Web Services - Solutions Architect Associate, IOT and Data Analytics, Security Specialization
Pondicherry University
B.Tech - Computer Science
Central University of Pondicherry
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