Zahid Farooq
Bengaluru
Summary
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional, and Databricks Azure Platform Architect. With over 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and optimizing multi-cloud and data architectures. Currently engaged with MARS (via C5i) as a Cloud Architect for the PADLE team, overseeing 20 Azure-based projects focused on data-driven solutions, cost optimization, and operational efficiency. Extensive expertise in Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Databricks, delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions across platforms. Proven track record of achieving approximately $1 million USD in savings through innovative cloud management strategies. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, automation, and innovative problem-solving to deliver business value through technology.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
6
6
Certification
Work History
Cloud Architect – PADLE Team - MARS
C5i
Bengaluru
01.2025 - Current
- Managing architecture and optimization for 20 Azure-based projects catering to diverse data needs.
- Spearheaded Azure cost management initiatives, leading to significant cost reductions and improved scalability.
- Designed and implemented secure, high-performance cloud solutions aligned with strategic objectives.
- Designed and delivered mission-critical infrastructure to maintain consistent availability and performance.
- Led discussions with vendors and suppliers on technical deliverables, processes and standards.
Solution Architect – Cloud & Data PFNA
C5i
Bengaluru
04.2024 - 12.2024
- Directed cloud architecture for 30+ analytics projects, enhancing system accessibility and performance.
- Executed Azure cost-saving strategies, achieving ~$1 million USD in savings annually.
- Delivered innovative cloud-based proof-of-concepts and workflows.
- Evaluated operational processes and recommended cost-effective solutions.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring quality assurance standards were met throughout the process.
- Developed architectural blueprints and standards for enterprise application development.
- Collaborated with vendors and external partners to integrate third-party solutions.
Associate Manager (Cloud Specialist)
C5i
Bengaluru
04.2022 - 03.2024
- Planned and deployed cloud solutions, optimizing performance by 25%.
- Automated data pipelines, accelerating project delivery and reducing downtime.
- Researched and implemented new technology platforms to support development initiatives.
- Migrated customers to latest virtual servers and storage technologies to improve performance.
- Provided technical guidance and mentorship to junior members of the team regarding best practices for developing cloud-native applications.
Senior Analyst – Cloud Solutions Microsoft Azure
C5i
Bengaluru
08.2020 - 03.2022
- Resolved critical Azure infrastructure issues for Microsoft's top 500 customers.
- Improved system performance through analysis and proactive resolution.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve customer experience across multiple channels.
- Assisted account executives with prospect evaluation and qualification.
- Researched and implemented new technology platforms to support development initiatives.
- Arranged demonstrations or equipment trials to persuade customers and drive sales.
Cloud Integration Specialist
Zen3 - A Tech Mahindra Company
Bengaluru
04.2019 - 08.2020
- Migrated on-premises data centers to Azure, ensuring seamless transitions.
- Led Azure training sessions for team members to enhance project efficiency.
- Oversaw migration of on-premises infrastructure to cloud platforms, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Managed the implementation of cloud-based solutions for customer requirements.
- Automated cloud deployments using Terraform and Ansible to enhance operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with DevOps engineers and SysAdmins for smooth deployment of software updates and patches.
- Performed troubleshooting of network related issues with respect to cloud resources.
- Met with stakeholders and presented in-depth information on hardware and software products, delivering expertise to make appropriate purchasing decisions.
Solution/Support Engineer - Microsoft
Spectrum Consultants
Bengaluru
02.2018 - 09.2018
- Delivered advanced support for Azure Active Directory services, including integration of B2B, B2C, and single sign-on (SSO) solutions for enterprise-level clients.
- Collaborated with global teams to design and implement multisite VPN configurations, improving cross-cloud service availability.
- Played a critical role in troubleshooting and resolving complex identity and access management (IAM) issues.
- Assisted enterprise clients in leveraging Azure features to align with evolving business goals and security standards.
Technical Consultant
Geeks Internetworking Technologies (GIT Info)
Bengaluru
07.2015 - 02.2018
- Provided expertise in planning and executing Microsoft Azure migrations, ensuring reliable implementation of cloud strategies.
- Configured and troubleshot Cisco routers and switches, optimizing network performance using protocols like EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP.
- Installed, configured, and maintained VMware ESXi and vSphere, implementing robust virtual network environments.
- Designed Active Directory structures, including Group Policies and delegation strategies, to enhance system security and operability.
- Planned and implemented IP addressing strategies, configuring robust TCP/IP setups for optimized network performance.
Skills
- Cloud architecture
- Azure solutions
- Cost management
- Data migration
- High-performance computing
- Infrastructure design
- Project management
- Vendor collaboration
- Data pipeline automation
- Performance optimization
- Team leadership
- Technical documentation
- Customer engagement
- Problem solving
- Stakeholder communication
- Monitoring and logging
- Virtualization technologies
- Cloud security management
- Cloud migration strategies
- Cloud infrastructure design
- Serverless computing
- Hybrid cloud environments
- Cloud architecture design
- High availability design
- Microservices architecture
- Automation tools
- Scalability planning
- Cloud application development
- Continuous integration, continuous deployment
- Containerization technologies
- Compliance and regulations
- Network configuration
- Multi-cloud management
- Cloud governance
- Data storage solutions
- DevOps methodologies
- Infrastructure as Code
- Identity and Access management
- API integration
- Server configuration
- Analytical skills
- IT strategy development
- Data optimization
- Technical mentoring
Certification
- Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional
- Databricks Azure Platform Architect
- Databricks EDW Presales
- Cybersecurity and IoT (Coursera, University of Georgia)
- Network and Communication Security (Coursera, ISC2)
Timeline
Cloud Architect – PADLE Team - MARS
C5i
01.2025 - Current
Solution Architect – Cloud & Data PFNA
C5i
04.2024 - 12.2024
Associate Manager (Cloud Specialist)
C5i
04.2022 - 03.2024
Senior Analyst – Cloud Solutions Microsoft Azure
C5i
08.2020 - 03.2022
Cloud Integration Specialist
Zen3 - A Tech Mahindra Company
04.2019 - 08.2020
Solution/Support Engineer - Microsoft
Spectrum Consultants
02.2018 - 09.2018
Technical Consultant
Geeks Internetworking Technologies (GIT Info)
07.2015 - 02.2018