ALISON POLK

Senior Architect/Management Professional

RELEVANT SUMMARY

 Sr Certified IT Architect “IBM” “TOGAF” professional with 25+ years of diverse working experience
and a proven record in the ability to lead, manage, design, plan and implement IT solutions for
complex IT projects. This includes Management, PM, Director, and even ran my own independent
Consulting firm with 10 employees. My new and experience knowledge of cloud computing. This is
something I continue to test and follow. These areas of expertise with Cloud are the technologies
that have gained and lead me into a Chief Architect related to Cloud, such as Azure, AWS,
Softlayer. As the Chief Architect, I lead the efforts that relate to working with VMware and our
clients. All architecture vSpehere, vCenter, vRealize, vRops, NSX vRA. It’s my job to assure the
client works with us and our partner relationship with VMware to come up with the best
architecture VMware solution. Once this occurs, then I define our requirements for the IBM team
to perform implementation, training to our clients. Many years of experience with various
platforms of Linux “Red Hat, Ubuntu, CentOS, Suse, etc.…
 One of two Architects assisted and led a team of engineers on the migration for the State of GA
into IBM’s cloud. First time in history that a state moved its entire IT into the cloud. Please ask me
if you want to hear more. I learned a lot about security models while involved in this mass event!
 I have lead many efforts related to Software fulfillment experience on the cloud, including
software entitlement management, software provisioning, software licensing, license
procurement, license enforcement domains. This refers to Virtual Machine RI cost analysis and
cloud pricing analysis in the cloud and on-prem
 Certification:
 
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner - Foundational. ...
  AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate. ...
  AWS Certified Developer - Associate. ...
  AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate. ...
  AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional. ...
  AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional.

Azure:

Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies

Exam AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator

TOGAF

Sr IBM Architecture

Multiple Citrix
Microsoft mcse

Nutanix

Vmware Architecture cert

CCNP retired

CCIE Retired

 Specialize in Exchange to Office 365. This includes a mass upgrade of Office 2007/2010-2016,
Certified in MCSE, Exchange, CCA 6.5, Citrix XenDesktop 5, CCE-AD for APPS, and Desktops, CCE-V
Virtualization VMware VCP 4 and retired Cisco Certifications. VMware Horizon VSTP, VTSP - SV
(Server Virtualization) This includes leading client efforts with vRealize, vRA, vROPs, IBM is
currently sending through VMware vSphere and Horizon training so that I can update my VMware
certs to 6.5 and Horizon 7. Experience with Microsoft Azure IoT Hubs and Analytical. Very skilled in
Various Microsoft Products “AD, Exchange, Sharepoint, SCCM, ETC… VMWare, VM Horizon, and
VDI technologies; adept in Citrix 7.x, Xen Desktop, Xen Apps, Right Fax, vSphere. Experience
Provisioning services and USCS but wants to put current learning into use. Have led projects
related to Windows Azure. Have new knowledge and understand of various Azure and IBM
Softlayer PAAS. I am individually working with clients IoT Hubs and Event Hubs and Stream
Analytics and Azure Functions. Have Agile throughout many clients engagements and internal to
IBM.
 Involved in project work as well as support, and very comfortable with the client and always
provide clear documentation through the project lifecycle. Has provided 24/7 support in the past,
enjoys a team environment and also enjoy Managing or Leading teams
 With IBM Microsoft practice, I am one of 2 Exchange/Office 365 experts. They are assisting clients
in migrating from Exchange to Office 365. This can include upgrading their Office editions of
various editions. This also contains MACs in some cases. It also provides architecture work related
to client Engagements State Of Work “SOW” If the contracts are signed, I am the one that leads a
team on the design, redesign, upgrade, and or implementation. Then architecture is documented
as an LLD and handed over to the IBM Strategic Outsource group for support and training. Or I will
provide training and support until the client feels ready to sign off.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Korterra

Lead Azure Architect. Aug 2019 - Present

Chanhassen, MN

 Created the Architecture design and presented to leadership and documented HLD/LLD
  Implemented and configured and automated solutions utilizing Config management solution
Ansible config management solution in Azure
 User JSON arm plate to implants a scripted approach with Fortinet Firewall implementation
and Azure NLB
 Terraform is used for there IAC of the infrastructure including VNET, RG, Windows, and Linux
VMs
 , Python, Bash, chef, and puppet for unique automation
 Created architecture and implemented standard windows 10 PC deployment with WDS and
MDT
 Architected and setup new Nutanix deployment on-prem
 Nutanix implementation was used to replace there current on-prem solution Vmware. They
will be utilizing Nutanix in place of Vmware virtualization acropolis
 Assisted and mentored JR engineers and staff on day to day work
 Lead the startup of providing guidance with DevOps engineer for CD/CI pipeline which
included GIT hub, Jenkins, Kubernetes,
 Assisted on Data center migration from L3 into cloud and On-prem Nutanix
 Resolved many Vmware issues
 Worked with Fortinet to make the right Firewalls were implemented and configured properly
 Worked through cost analysis quarterly and presented to executives on pricing analysts

.3Bridge

Principal Cloud Architect Exec Sept 18 – Aug 201@

Shoreview, MN

 Brought in to assess their current Applications and design the new Landing Zone Gold Image
in AWS/Azure Public cloud for client
 Interviewed each of the team member managers Infra, Network, Security, etc to gather
information for the Azure/ AWS Public cloud architecture
 Created a workbook and assigned tickets that consisted of detailed task related to populating
the design document
 Create the landing zone that included the 3 VPC – Management, Security, and EC2. Making
sure the region and availability zones are correct. Configure subnets-network segmentation
and NACLS
 Configure the IAM’s groups and associate users to those groups and Provide permissions
 Mentor the Client throughout the Implementation process
 Setup services and test and go in to detail about their functionality.
 Present design to Execs and team managers and go through TCO/ROI. Make sure it’s on track
for sign off
 Once the AWS Public cloud landing zone is completed and all security is in place and design
and it has been signed off on. We will then assess 2 applications that were included in the
assessment. They will redesign and deployed on updated Linux and windows os.
 Moved them off an old version of Cent OS to Ubuntu’s.
  Terraform was setup to manage low-level components such as compute instances, storage,
and networking, as well as high-level components such as DNS entries, SaaS features, etc.
 Client utilized Terraform to determine what changed and create incremental execution plans
which can be applied
 Assisting as Lead Architect on Private Cloud relocation. The client had and acquisition and I
will lead the design efforts. This will also include coming up with migration plans/techniques.
 Create workbooks for migration strategies...
 Create runbooks for the migration plans.

Computex Oct 2017-Sept 2018

Principle Architect, Data Center
Minnetonka, Mn

 Lead the design, consultant, and walked client through setup and config of ACI and it’s APIC
controllers.
 ACI deployment was the 2nd largest Architectural Deployment Cisco has seen ever
 Part of ACI deployment and my key role was to work with Cisco on Bugs that can up which were
many. Some bugs that had to include updating code on ACI equipment.
 Lead the design and Implementations of Data Center Relocations and Cloud Initiatives
 Present and lead solution discussions related to Data Center and Cloud Architectures
 Technologies include Networks/Systems/Security/Applications/Managements
 My role is diverse and with my many years of experience I work with many technology realms
 Working through sales logistics defining client relations.
 Terraform was put in place in conjunction with CD/CI and also included Jenkins to improve
DevOps Processes.
 Incorporate SSO into Clients applications and Directory Structures. This is based on various SSO
vendors.
 Defining and Architect that relates to PAAS, IAAS, SAAS specifically in Azure, AWS, Softlayer
 Had to help clients Move applications off of older versions of Red hat Linux on to newer
versions
 VMware and Windows Active Directory Specialist on a global project with tight deadlines
 Work with Client Executive and other account team members of potential problems based upon
knowledge of a proposed product solutions and the customer environment.
 Software fulfillment experience on cloud, including software entitlement management, software
provisioning, software licensing, license procurement, license enforcement domains.
IBM November 2006 – Oct 2017
Chief Cloud Enterprise Architect NA Pre-sales / Post-sales Arch & Implementation
Projects were in GA, NY,MN, CA, VA, TX, AZ, AL, ARK,

 Present to Client and IBM Execs on potential Client Cloud Solutions

 VMware, NSX, vRealize, vRa, vROPS, NSX, VDI Horizon, basically one of 2 go to guys in the us
that works directly with Vmware
 SSO Architecture work on implementations and consulting the client on Different SSO
architectural options.
 Worked with Clients on Cisco ACI Design/implementations/Training. Etc…
 One of specialities is Office 365 and various Office editions for both PC and MACs Work with
sale team on the Technical aspects of the SOW to confirm we have allocated the correct Cost
and Time and Resources that relate to Office 365 and all its objectives.
 Have used the SDLC - Agile Model. ... Agile SDLC model is a combination of iterative and
incremental process models with focus on process adaptability and customer satisfaction by
rapid delivery of working software product. Agile Method helps our clients and IBM break the
product into small incremental builds. These builds are provided in iterations
 Leading the team to develop POC & assessment initiatives related to cloud architecture.
 Defining the VDI assessments and methodologies related to VDI technologies.
 Working through large POC’s related to VDI which consist of implementing technologies such as
Xendesktop, VMware View, Desk tone and APPSsense.
 Defining and Architect that relates to PAAS, IAAS, SAAS specifically in Azure, AWS, Softlayer
 Working through sales logistics defining client relations.
 Working on key initiatives for defining IBM Cloud computing 
 Experience with the concepts, philosophies and tools behind the design of applications,
information and underlying information technologies. 
 Many years experience with developing and implementing applications. 
 Many years experience with storage and/or backup engineering and architecture 
and Storage System architecture and administration experience. 
 Many years of Platform Experience: Cisco Flex Prod, Isilon, ECS, Data Domain, NetApp, Avamar,
and TSM, Nexus, etc…. 
 Many years of OS System Administration experience (Windows 2003, 2008, 2012 AND 2016,
RHEL, AIX). 

 Experience years of Hadoop and/or data analytics experience. 

-Information management -Application delivery process -IT industry trends and direction 
-Emerging technologies -IT standards, procedures, policy -System software infrastructure -
Information security management -System and technical integration   
 Helping the sales team work through technical related issues with clients SOW, RFS. Confirm
that they include the correct Technical aspects in SOW with the correct amount of hours and
Resources through WBS- Work Breakdown Structure
 Held various titles for diverse set of projects:
o Team Lead, IT Director and Manager of multiple accounts
o Expert Level on Active directory and AD Components such as GPO’s/ACL’s.
o Highly skilled with Power shell scripting
o VMware Soft layer Architect
o Lead Migration Architect in DataCenters
o Lead SCON Migration Specialist; scoped VMware Architecture.
o VMware Implementation Manager for a Healthcare client that relocated a data center
o SCON Migration Lead with Citrix XenDesktop Architecture Gathering
 o Lead VMware Architect; used vSphere, Netware and GroupWise
o Architect Windows and Exchange Infrastructure, including Design with Citrix Xen
Desktop
o Assessor for Novell to Exchange Migration; used Active Directory and VSphere
o Exchange Architect; included assisting and mentoring client through a migration
o Exchange Architect and Implementation; worked on Series Hardware, Blade Center and
correctly mapping with ENT server
o Lead ESX Architect; designed and implemented EXS Host Environment with VC and
configured licensing
o VMware and Windows Active Directory Specialist on a global project with tight
deadlines
o VMware and App Specialist; defined process and documentation for global project
o VDI Virtualization Specialist with Cisco Firewalls and Switches, and Virtual Client Build
Procedure
o VMware Virtualization Specialist; set up and configured ESX host
o Exchange Architect utilized Quest Monitoring Tools, monitored migration and timelines
as well as various messaging environments.
o Cluster Creation and Migration Exchange Specialist
o File Transformation Architect
o System Management Tool Expert; completed full evaluation with functional
requirements
Seven Medical Systems November 2004 – December 2006
Sr. IT Architect Manager
 Provided Network and system Designs for Medical Based Clients.
 Installed and configured CRM and trained clients on various projects
 Installed and maintained Microsoft Products.
 Worked on Microsoft Exchange implementations and migration and upgrades of clients
consisting of 10 –2000 users.
 Completed Exchange Migrations, which consisted of Exchange 5.5 to 2000/2003, GroupWise to
Exchange 2003.
 Implemented bootable SAN environment for existing servers (SATA, Fiber) in the Data Center.
 Worked with consultants to implement ESX VMware in Data Center on IBM Hardware.
 Implemented, designed Citrix Farms which consisted of 5 Servers running XP Metaframe.
 Performed Citrix Server Upgrades from XP Metaframe to 3.0.
 Mentored and trained clients on specific Microsoft Products and Medical Applications.
 Maintained and completed troubleshooting issues and support clients and data center.
 Managed and led projects and perform Pre-sales.
 Worked with Project Managers or acted as a Project Lead to maintain project stability.
 Mentored Clients on HIPPA standards and the importance of compliance.

Independent Technology Consultant “Owned by Me with 10 Employees” June 2000 – July 2004
Technology Consultant
 Worked with Banking, Retail, Landscaping and Medical Companies.
 CRM expert for any project work that came up related to CRM
 Engaged to asses and lead the design and documentation effort of a New Active Directory
infrastructure.
 Worked with and led a Team of 10 on Migrating 10,000 users globally from Novell e-directory
Infrastructure to Windows 2003 Active Directory.
 Worked with customers and consultants on installing clustering service for Win2003.
 Installed and configured Exchange 2003 prior to Migration.
  Utilized and Migrated Existing 10,000 GroupWise Mailboxes to Exchange 2003 with Quest
Migration tool.
 Documented Exchange implementation and presented to client.
 Worked with other consultant to redesign Citrix Farm, which consisted of 50 Servers in 4 server
farms.
 Led a team on a redesign of GPO and OU structure.
 Re-configured AD, FSMO and GC placement with site and replication configuration; consisted of
assessing existing infrastructure, which consisted of 30,000 users.
 Worked with Storage team to implement and reconfigure DFS and File shares.
 Worked with consultants to implement both NLB and MSCS and to design and plan Exchange
2003.
 Installed and migrated from Exchange 2000 to 200 for 30000 users.
 Configured and implemented Netview Trap Management System for Cisco and Microsoft
products.
 Worked with Tivoli Admin to configure traps to be forward to specific environments and
departments. Traps were scripted to be sent to open tickets based on Department issues and
what their OID is.
 Updated patches for 6 Aix servers that hosted Netview. Installed and maintained specific MIBS
based on the OID’s for SNMP traps.
 Documented procedures needed to have these scripts perform the correct way.
 Worked with client on Project Plan to upgrade current SMS 1.0 Globalized management system
to SMS
 2.0.
 Created project plan based on this SMS Assessment.
 Worked with a team on the Migration of current existing Exchange environment, which
consisted of migrating 5000 users from 5.5 to 2000 for Voice over IP Roll-Out.
 Led team on System Design and implementation of CITRIX XP and setting up and testing various
banking applications.
 Worked with consultants on Setting up 1.51 Nfuse rights and responsibilities for client’s access
and the Web Extensions.
 Worked with a team on Installation and configuration of SMS 2.0 Implemented and configured
MSI packages.
 Provided technical configurations and cost analysis improvements on Windows Infrastructure.
 Provided first level management support of other System Administrators
Deluxe May 1999 – May 2000
Sr. Project Lead
 Provided network management for AIP/ASP customers.
 Managed a team of 20 on specific projects to my team.
 Provided design for Migration from Cisco to Extreme infrastructure.
 Implemented and configured Extreme Infrastructure.
 Provided design and implementation of Cisco VPN concentrator for internal employees.
 Maintained Day-to-day troubleshooting on Infrastructure.
 Performed technical configurations and cost analysis for new WIN 2000 infrastructure.
 Maintained and supported existing Win NT 4.0 infrastructure.
 In charge of troubleshooting and maintaining WIN 2000 system infrastructure.
 Provided mentoring to co-employees.
 In charge of planning and organization of project dates.
 Developed Change Management Procedure and ticketing procedure.

Target Corporate April 1998 – April 1999

Sr. Systems Engineer
 Provided pre-sale technical assistance on sales to clients, leading project design and
implementation.
 Implemented and supported 50-75 Metaframe 1.8 Citrix Server.
 Worked on designs for Migrating segments from SDLC to frame Relay.
 Primary engineer in charge of installation and support of Citrix products.
 Utilized a broad range of technology for the projects including CISCO, Nortel, Extreme, SNA,
Microsoft, IBM Mainframe, and WIN 20000
 Tasked with coming up with WIN 2000 designs for clients, including support and training.
 Provided support on WIN NT 4.0 and windows 2000 workstations.
 Maintained high-level security for systems infrastructure.

International Network Services March 1996 – April 1998

Systems Engineer
 Performed Installation and configuration of servers, Windows NT workstations and AIX UNIX
operating systems at client sites. Completed performance tuning, troubleshooting, and
interfacing with Hewlett Packard.
 Performed Technical projects in Environments that consisted of Frame Relay, ISDN, SNA, CISCO
routers and switches, TCP/IP, SDLC, CSU/DSU, Hubs, NT Servers and Novell.
 Provided clients Migration and Upgrade strategies for existing Microsoft Infrastructures.
 Worked with client on Security Assessments.
 Led a Team on a project that consisted of Deploying 17,000 NT 4.0 servers and 18, 000 Cisco
Routers to Field offices.
 Work with team to troubleshoot day-to-day issues.
 Trained client on troubleshooting techniques for new software.

St. Paul Insurance Company April 1994 – March 1996

Systems Engineer
 Upgraded all field offices nationwide from Windows 3.11 to Windows ’95.
 Provided user training on new operating system.
 Maintained and monitored network communication during conversion process.
 Installed and troubleshoot CISCO routers and switches in an Ethernet and Token Ring
environment.

CERTIFICATIONS & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Certifications:IBM Sr Certified Architect comparable to TOGAF but more complicated and intense.
MCSE, Exchange, A+, CCA 6.5, Citrix XenDesktop 5, CCE-AD for APPS and Desktops, CCE-V Virtualization
VMware VCP 4. Retired Cisco Certifications, NUTANIX NPP, AWS Architect Associate and 70-533
Implementing Azure Infrastructure Solutions

Technical Skills:
Virtualization, VMware, XenServer, Desktone, Hyper-V, VDI Specialist
Windows Server NT/2000/20003/2008/2012/2016
Active Directory design and implementation, DFS, WSUS, IIS, GPO, Microsoft Exchange- 5.5, 2000, 2003,
2007, 2010, 2013
Email Archiving Strategies- Symantec
Migration Exchange Strategies from GroupWise to Exchange
SMS 2.0-2003, SCCM 2007
Citrix 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Hardware-IBM, Dell, HP
Windows 7-10 Desktop Scoping/Developing and Migrations
Data Center Server Consolidation
Cloud Technologies: AWS, Azure, IBM Softlayer
Cisco Hardware
MDM Solutions for Windows 10 Deployments

Management Skills:
Team Lead
IT Director
Project Manager
Infrastructure Manager
Data Center “SCON” LEAD Migration Specialist

School:
Brown Institute AA Technical Degree