Rick Bera

• Infrastructure Configuration: Expert in setting up and managing LAN, VLAN, wireless systems, routers, switches, and firewalls to optimize network performance.
• Client-Centric Solutions: Skilled in crafting technical proposals tailored to client specifications for comprehensive network setup and implementation.
• Operational Continuity: Proficient in creating IPSEC tunnels for redundancy, maintaining application availability across data centers and disaster recovery sites.
• Policy Compliance: Implemented and monitored compliance with security policies, including regular updates for patches and antivirus systems.
• Performance Monitoring: Conducted continuous monitoring of network health using tools like SolarWinds and performed firmware upgrades to maintain system integrity.
Specialized Technical Skills
Palo Alto Firewall Expertise
• Comprehensive Configuration: Proficient in end-to-end setup and management of Palo Alto firewalls, ensuring robust network security and performance.
• Panorama Management: Skilled in utilizing Panorama for centralized policy and device management across the network landscape.
• VPN and Connectivity: Established secure IPsec tunnels and GlobalProtect VPNs for safe and reliable remote access.
• Content Filtering: Implemented URL filtering policies to control web access and protect against online threats.
• System Maintenance: Conducted firmware upgrades and modifications in response to Best Practice Assessment (BPA) reports, maintaining optimal firewall operation.

Azure Cloud Services Proficiency
• Server Connectivity & Virtual Networking: Expertly managed Azure server connectivity, ensuring efficient Virtual Network configurations and strategic peering arrangements.
• Load Balancing & Security: Configured Azure load balancers to optimize load distribution and established IPSEC tunnels, enhancing overall network efficiency and security.
• Cloud Firewall Deployment: Successfully deployed and managed firewall settings within the Azure cloud environment, reinforcing network protection.
• Tenant Migration: Led tenant migration projects, demonstrating adeptness in transitioning services with minimal disruption.

• Disaster Recovery Support: Provided critical support during DR drills and power activities to prevent service interruptions.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Assisted various teams with network connectivity challenges, ensuring seamless integration between on-premises and Azure environments.
Leadership and Project Oversight
• Mentorship: Guided junior team members, aiding in their professional development and knowledge expansion.
• Project Management: Oversaw complex networking projects from conception to completion, consistently delivering quality results within project timelines.
Additional Contributions
• Documentation: Kept network documentation and diagrams up-to-date, ensuring accurate representation of the current network state.
• Client Communication: Maintained project tracking and provided regular updates to clients, fostering strong relationships and trust.
• Knowledge Sharing: Created SOPs and KB articles based on root cause analyses and new project experiences to streamline troubleshooting and knowledge transfer.

• Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.

• Data Center Management: Established a robust network infrastructure, ensuring seamless WAN and LAN connectivity, along with the deployment of firewalls, routers, and switches..
• Disaster Recovery: Ensured application availability across primary and secondary sites, contributing to business resilience.
• Security Policy Enforcement: Implemented DMZ policies for internet-facing servers and maintained endpoint systems with up-to-date security patches and antivirus updates.
• Network Monitoring: Employed HP NMI and PRTG tools for continuous network performance monitoring.
• System Upgrades: Oversaw IOS upgrades in line with software releases from leading providers like Cisco, FortiGate, and Checkpoint.
• Network Expansion: Managed the establishment and enhancement of new WAN links, including MPLS and ILL connections.
• Wireless Optimization: Created heat maps for optimal AP and WIPS placement, ensuring extensive coverage for both production and corporate Wi-Fi networks.
• Network Hardening: Reinforced network security by adhering to IT security standards for equipment such as Cisco routers, switches, and Mojo Wi-Fi.
• Firewall Expertise: Developed expertise in managing advanced firewall systems including FortiGate 500D, Palo Alto, and Checkpoint.
• SD-WAN Management: Administered VeloCloud SD-WAN solutions, enhancing network efficiency and reliability.
• Leadership: Led a team of four Level 1 Engineers, promoting skill development and effective project management.
• Network Setup: Directed the installation and configuration of comprehensive networking systems, including LAN, VLAN, and wireless systems, and crafted client-specific technical proposals.
• Production Network Reliability: Achieved 100% network reliability for a highly automated production plant.
• Client Communication: Effectively communicated project progress and updates to clients, ensuring transparency and satisfaction.
• Traffic Analysis: Conducted thorough analysis of network traffic and monitored the health of network devices.
• VOIP Configuration: Resolved issues and configured VOIP systems to optimize communication.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Maintained impeccable network racks, network rooms, and data center rack dressing.
• Knowledge Management: Authored SOPs and knowledge base articles, leveraging insights from root cause analyses and project experiences.
Risk Management: Kept a detailed network risk register and proactively communicated potential issues to clients.

• Installation Fingerprint Attendance Punching Machine
• Monitoring and health of devices
• ARS machine and transfer that data to SAP
• Managing Backup, Managing Data and Network Security, preparing weekly, Monthly IT report and Submit to IT Manager
• Maintenance of LAN Networking system for having a proper connectivity to end user for accessing Attendance Machine.