Neill Soden

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# Latest Projects

  • Designed and overhauled a network infrastructure, utilising Proxmox and Server 2012 to rectify and stabilise the system. Linux was implemented for monitoring and Nginx served as a secure reverse proxy for locally hosted sites. Additionally, updates were applied to the Ubiquiti network and access points to improve performance and reliability.

  • Designed and implemented a network for a small SME, incorporating Ubiquiti network equipment, Grandstream SIP Server and handsets, routing, VLANs and pfSense Firewalls.

  • Successfully conducted a small business migration from IMAP mail to Office 365, including the setup of Intune configurations.ยง

  • An SLA with a business to provide support for their older legacy infrastructure, involving Windows Server 2012 and Office 365.

  • Collaborated in deploying and managing a dev server and locally hosted data centre supporting three SAAS apps/services. The server stack comprised Ubuntu Server, Docker and Nginx, with the following services deployed and maintained:

    • Baserow: Deployed as a container, an open-source alternative to Airtable for the efficient task and project management.
    • Portainer: Utilised for streamlined management of the Docker environment.
    • FreeScout: Implemented as an open-source helpdesk system.
    • Grafana: Deployed as a container for effective infrastructure logging.
    • Karma Uptime: Utilised as a container to ensure comprehensive infrastructure monitoring.
    • Mailgun: Employed to handle bulk mail services across all SAAS services.
    • Proxmox: Configured as a development server with four Linux services dedicated to development and testing.
    • Vuepress: Developed and deployed a containerised Vuepress documentation site for the SAAS service, utilising Markdown.
    • Plausible: Discovered, researched and implemented as a privacy-focused alternative to Google Analytics, enabling lightweight and open-source website analytics. This implementation ensured compliance with local POPIA, GDPR, CCPA and PECR regulations.

# Hudaco Group Projects

2011 - 2020

  • IT committee

    From 2011 to 2020, I was part of the IT committee at Hudaco Group Projects. During this time, I led the development of guidelines for IT governance, policies and standards, which were extended to all 34 other businesses within the group at the time.

  • Infrastructure Management

    I also provided operational guidance and maintained the network, server and cloud infrastructure. This included managing the Proxmox virtualisation server on Windows Server 2012 R2 and overseeing the Ubiquiti network infrastructure.

    In collaboration with an ISP company, I played an active role in the development of a wide area network (WAN) infrastructure that encompassed the entire group. Our primary objective was to establish a shared network among all businesses in order to create a Disaster Recovery (DR) site.

# Hudaco - Elvey

2020 - 2022

  • ERP Consolidation and Data Integration Project

    I collaborated and led the IT aspect of merging data from seven divisions/companies into a single instance/database for ERP consolidation. This required close collaboration with Elvey, vendors and stakeholders to match and combine data across the seven databases using mainly SQL and Syspro. We also migrated two businesses from Pastel to the consolidated ERP system. The project lasted for 18 months.

  • Office 365 Migration

    I oversaw the migration of about 240 staff members to Office 365, with a strong focus on using MS Teams for remote collaboration and communication during the pandemic. In addition to conducting one-on-one sessions, I provided training to various departments through Teams. We also used this migration period to transfer data from the file server to MS Teams, utilising features like Channels and SharePoint/OneDrive.

    I spearheaded a project to consolidate multiple businesses that were using different platforms (Google Workspace and Office 365) into a single Office 365 tenant.

  • Network Infrastructure

    Headed up a team, that successfully carried out a thorough renovation of both the LAN infrastructure at our Head Office and the branches. We replaced all the diverse equipment with the Ubiqiti Unfi range. This encompassed the implementation of VLANs to segregation and the establishment of efficient data, voice, WiFi, and guest access routing.

  • FreshService Helpdesk Implementation

    To improve the IT support system across the company, I implemented FreshService, an ISM-based helpdesk solution. This ensured effective management of IT service requests and incident resolution, as well as asset management.

  • Network and System Monitoring

    To monitor the network and system performance of 16 endpoints and the Hyper V server infrastructure at the head office, I deployed Grafana/Zabbix. We monitored various aspects, including SQL servers, services and WAN infrastructure (such as MikroTik devices) using SNMP. We set up a dashboard displayed on a screen in the IT office to provide a centralized view, facilitating the proactive identification and resolution of issues.

  • Custom ETL Application Development

    I successfully executed a project to develop a custom (ETL) application for bulk invoice posting to an ERP system, while also deploying an internal web hosting environment using Linux, Nginx, Docker (Portainer) and MariaDB. This provided a robust and scalable solution for the ETL solution and future e-commerce plans.

# Hudaco - Global Communications

2005 - 2019 | Internal & External Porjects

Note:

In 2010, Hudaco acquired Global Communications and subsequently merged with Elvey in 2020.

# Internal Projects

  • Google Workspace

    We recognised the need for internal infrastructure upgrades and improved collaboration, which led to a thorough evaluation of costs and testing. As a result, we decided to implement Google Workspace, a cloud-based platform that involved migrating from on-prem Exchange and File Server systems.

    We utilised effective change management practices, including handholding and establishing new business processes and workflows, which improved overall security measures and facilitated our digitalisation journey. The transition also increased productivity, which proved advantageous when the pandemic required remote work.

  • Reporting and Dashboard Implementation

    I designed and implemented a range of reports and dashboards using Google Datastudio, catering to technical, financial, and executive requirements. These reports seamlessly extracted data from MySQL databases, imported Excel files, and incorporated CSV files.

    I also used this reporting system to track radio activities at the airport, specifically on our Tetra Radio systems.

  • Migrations & Virtualisation

    I led a couple of migrations within the IT infrastructure, including transitioning from Windows Server 2000 to 2003 and later virtualised the environment by migrating to Proxmox with Server 2012 R2. These migrations involved additional projects such as ERP Syspro and SQL upgrades.

  • Network & Voice architecture

    I also transformed our business network architecture by moving away from a flat hub network and adopting HP Procurve switches with VLANs. I also implemented a Linux firewall to bolster security and routing capabilities. As network demands grew, I further evolved the infrastructure by transitioning to Ubiquiti network and WIFI solutions and integrating a Checkpoint firewall for security.

    I played a crucial role in migrating the telephone system from analogue to VOIP and upgrading to the Grandstream system, which included the implementation of a trunk via our ISP.

  • Helpdesk

    The implementation of Zendesk, along with the development of a customised workflow, revolutionised our support operations for the business workshop, repair and IT department. This not only enabled efficient tracking of repairs, but it also facilitated customer feedback loop by assigning unique ticket numbers. Additionally, Zendesk proved instrumental in internal operations by effectively tracking parts and labour hours for each job.

    We extended its capabilities by sending data via the API to a MySQL database, which was used to generate reports in Google Datastudio, providing insights to management teams. We also used this internally to support IT operations and manage support requests for various business projects and service-level agreements.

    # External Projects

  • SLA & Monitoring

    I was part of a team that identified requirements and proposed implementing the PRTG tool, which helped monitor and resolve system issues in adherence to the service level agreement for our customers. I assisted with the research process and also helped deploy and maintain the tool, ensuring compliance with the SLA.

  • Deployment of Digital Radio & IP System Across Multiple Entities

    I played an important role in deploying the Tetra digital radio system, sourced from Rohill in the Netherlands, across multiple entities in South Africa. Throughout the project, I provided guidance on Linux, IT and IP requirements specific to each project.

    As Kenwood Two Way Radio was the primary revenue source for the business, I provided essential IP and IT advisory and support services for multiple projects spanning diverse industries, including mines and banks.

    I also helped deploy licensed microwave links to establish communication between radio high sites.

  • File and Document Repository Solution

    I played a significant role in developing Dealerzone, a file and document repository for the Dealer network. This solution replaced the traditional method of distributing software updates and manuals via mailed CDs and DVDs to business dealers and is still actively used today.

  • Radio over IP

    I played a key role in a project that involved the patching of Two Way Radios and their conversion to operate over VOIP and ROIP for an emergency service using a product out of the USA from Raytheon called ACU 1000.

  • 3rd Line Support

    I provided support and assistance to the technical team for any IT, IP or other requirements that arose during the implementation process for several projects in the telecom and multiplex product domains, specifically utilising Keymile products.

    Notable projects included upgrading an older switching network within rail systems, implementing a DSLAM for ADSL in a hotel to enable high-quality streaming services and collaborating with a telecommunications company in Botswana to provide ADSL connectivity to their customers.

Throughout the years, I had the opportunity participate in various projects where I either lead or collaborated with teams or worked alongside vendors to achieve successful outcomes.