Charles Nathi Mhlongo

• Design, deploy, and manage Azure cloud infrastructure
• Implement and manage Azure services (VMs, AAD, Backup)
• Ensure availability, reliability, and security of cloud environments
• Support hybrid IT infrastructures
• Implement security and compliance measures (Microsoft Defender, Entra ID, Sentinel)
• Develop and implement backup and disaster recovery strategies
• Manage Azure Active Directory and on-premises AD environments
• Implement identity and access management solutions (SSO, MFA)
• Utilize Microsoft Purview for data governance and compliance
• Automate cloud operations using PowerShell and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Collaborate with IT teams, developers, and stakeholders
• Provide support and troubleshooting for Azure-related issues
• Mentor and train junior staff members, Windows Server (2012, 2016, 2019 and 2022, Patches, Cluster, Hyper-V, DataCentre, Security)

Managed 6 data centers, including infrastructure, networking, and security.

Implemented and managed Active Directory, Exchange, and Azure environments.

Migrated physical servers to virtual machines (VMs) using VMware.

Designed and implemented cloud architectures (Azure, hybrid, multi-cloud).

Implemented cloud security and compliance controls (IAM, access management,

encryption).

Deployed cloud resources (instances, containers, serverless functions).

Configured cloud management and monitoring tools (CloudWatch, CloudTrail,

StackDriver).

Planned and executed cloud migrations (lift-and-shift, re-architecture).

Ensured high availability and scalability (autoscaling, load balancing).

Implemented disaster recovery and backup solutions.

• Azure (Infrastructure, Active Directory, Migration)

• VMware (vSphere, vCenter, NSX)

• Windows Server (2003, 2008, 2012, 2019)

• Linux Server

• PowerShell

• Cloud security and compliance

Active Directory:

• Configured and managed 12 AD domains, servers, and forests

• Deployed and managed AD services (DNS, DHCP)

• Implemented group policy and security settings

• Troubleshooted and resolved AD issues

Linux:

• Designed and implemented Linux architectures (servers, clusters)

• Configured and managed Linux systems and networks

• Deployed and managed Linux applications and services

• Implemented Linux security and authentication (SSH, SSL)

Exchange:

• Designed and implemented Exchange architecture

• Configured and managed Exchange servers and databases

• Deployed and managed Exchange services

• Implemented security and authentication

File System:

• Designed and implemented file system architectures

• Configured and managed file system permissions and access

• Deployed and managed file system storage and hardware

• Implemented file system backup and recovery processes

Data Backup and Recovery:

• Designed and implemented Veeam backup infrastructure

• Configured and managed backup jobs and schedules

• Deployed and managed backup repositories and storage

• Implemented data deduplication and compression

Machine Learning and Data Analysis:

• Collected, cleaned, and preprocessed large datasets

• Developed and trained machine learning models

• Performed statistical analysis and data visualization

Programming and Development:

• Wrote high-quality code and scripts in various programming languages

• Used development tools and frameworks to build and test applications

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate applications

Database Management:

• Designed database architectures

• Implemented database security and compliance controls

• Deployed database resources

• Configured database management and monitoring tools

Cybersecurity:

• Implemented Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to monitor domain servers

• Utilized Microsoft Security Center and Microsoft 365 Defender

• Conducted vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and compliance checks

• Data Storage:

• Managed storage resources, including SAN and NAS, for data storage

• Utilized IBM V7000, V3700, NetApp, and Huawei OceanStor management

• Networking:

• Managed network traffic using switches and routers

• Provided a single management interface for monitoring, controlling, and automating

resources

• Disaster Recovery:

• Developed a comprehensive DR plan and procedures

• Designed and built the DR site infrastructure

• Implemented data replication and backup solutions

• Conducted regular testing and drills

• Managerial Experience: Leadership:

• Provided guidance and support in systems administration and engineering

• Assigned tasks and projects to develop junior staff's skills

• Conducted regular feedback and performance evaluations

• Project Management:

• Developed and managed project plans (Project Initiation Documentation)

• Coordinated and managed project teams (Directing a Project)

• Controlled and monitored project progress (Controlling a Stage)

• Managed project risks and issues (Managing a Stage Boundary)

• Delivered project outputs and benefits (Closing a Project)

PROJECTS

Migration

08/2015 - 11/2016

Migration on-premises to azure cloud-based 50 virtual

machine

Assign permissions to create a project.

Assign Azure account permissions.

Create an Azure network.

Check machine requirements for migration.

Prepare a machine for the replication appliance.

Download the replication appliance installer.

Set up the migration target environment

Prepare virtualized on-premises workloads for

migration

Monitor and test a failover of workloads for

successful migration

Complete the migration

Implement security controls

90% complete virtual machine

10% error of virtual machine

Upgrade and Migration Domains

Controlled

02/2015 - 06/2015

Upgraded and migration Active Directory Servers 12

domains controlled

Prepare Existing AD Forest for Server 2003DC,

2008R2, 2012R2 DC, 2016 DC and 2019 DC

Promote Servers 2008R, 2012R2, 2016 and 2019 as

an ADC, Check Replication between both DC’s

Transfer FSMO roles to Servers 2012R2,2016,2019

Remove AD services from Servers 2008R, 2012R

AD 2003 to 2008R2

AD 2008R2 to 2012R

AD 2012R2 Datacenter to 2016 Datacenter

AD 2016 Datacenter to 2019 Datacenter

Apps,sql servers, databases,web apps, ftp systems, file

or data systems, internet systems, developers servers

Windows servers 2003 Enterprise to windows servers

2008R

Windows servers 2008R to windows servers 2012 R2

datacenter

Windows servers 2012 R2 to Windows Servers 2016

Windows servers 2016 datacenter to windows servers 2019

Convert physical servers 360

08/2013 - 12/2014

Windows servers 2003, 2008 R, 2012 R and Linux

Ubuntu, RedHut Enterprise, install VMware converter

tool,

Convert physical servers to virtual machine on

VMWARE vSphere 5.5/ 6.0/ 6.5

Patches physical servers with issues same times

On Flex Systems is 180 virtual machine

On HP3Par is 180 virtual machine

GroupWise

08/2011 - 11/2012

Migration mailboxes for 6000 users

Migration GroupWise to Exchange 2003

Migration mailboxes for 6000 users

Setup forward old user account to new user’s account

Install patches, anti-virus,

Yes they were issues of desktops not updated with

patches.

Migration Windows Servers 2003 to Windows servers

2008R Install 6 Domains controller

Install patching, configure dns, utilize resources,

schema, NTDS database partitions, SRV records, and

trust relationships, Group Policy, trusts, Kerberos

KDCs, site replication, and topology, synchronisation,

site replication, net logon, time services, FSMO roles

Disaster Recovery Site

09/2009 - 09/2010

Collection servers from small servers’ room

Operating Systems: Windows 2000/NT, Windows XP

Software: Microsoft Office 2000, SQL 2000, MySQL, Unix

Networking: TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, managed switches, routers

Database: Database architecture, security, and compliance

Application Development: Application architecture, software development, testing, and deployment

Hardware: Computer hardware components, configuration, testing, and deployment

Exchange: Exchange architecture, server management, and security

Achievements:

High level of customer satisfaction with technical support services

Improved desktop system performance and reliability

Increased security and compliance with industry standards

Reduced downtime and productivity losses due to technical issues

• Managed and supported various systems, including:
• Windows 98/NT/2000 workstations with Novell Client - GroupWise - eDirectory - Active Directory - DNS - DHCP - TCP/IP - Exchange - SQL Server
• Provided technical solutions and support for various government departments, including:
• Department of Treasury - TLGA - HOUSING - EDUCATION - KZNWORKS
• Installed, configured, and maintained desktop hardware and software.
• Troubleshooted and resolved technical issues related to desktops, networks, and servers.
• Implemented desktop security measures and policies.
• Collaborated with other technical teams to resolve complex technical issues.
• Communicated technical information to non-technical users.
• Managed project risks and issues effectively.
• Operating Systems: Windows 98/NT/2000, Novell
• Email: GroupWise
• Directory Services: eDirectory, Active Directory
• Networking: DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP
• Database: SQL Server
• Security: Desktop security measures and policies

• Managed the day-to-day operations of the computer lab
• Provided general consultations and instruction to lab users on proper use of equipment
• Ensured computer lab equipment was properly cared for and maintained
• Monitored files and programs downloaded on lab computers to prevent malware and spyware
• Diagnosed and fixed hardware problems, and contacted engineers for complex issues
• Maintained inventory of supplies, performed regular maintenance, and ensured proper functioning of printers and other equipment

• Developed web applications using Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, XSL, and SQL
• Designed and delivered web development training programs for students
• Taught Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, XSL, and SQL fundamentals
• Provided hands-on exercises and projects, and offered feedback and guidance on student progress
• Web development: Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, XSL, SQL
• Teaching and training: web development, programming fundamentals
• Management: computer lab operations, inventory management, maintenance and repair
• Technical support: hardware and software troubleshooting, malware prevention

• Provided technical assistance and support for computer systems, hardware, and software.
• Responded to queries, ran diagnostic programs, isolated problems, and implemented solutions.
• Designed and implemented projects as per client requirements and project scope.
• Conducted infrastructure security analysis and reporting.
• Managed incidents, problems, and service requests, and applied change management as necessary.
• Mentored junior consultants and hosted technical workshops.
• Provided high-level support for Windows Servers 2000/NT, workstations, and laptops.
• Operating Systems: Windows 2000/NT, Windows XP
• Software: Microsoft Office 2000, SQL 2000, MySQL, Unix
• Networking: TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, managed switches, routers
• Database: Database architecture, security, and compliance
• Application Development: Application architecture, software development, testing, and deployment
• Hardware: Computer hardware components, configuration, testing, and deployment