Tarik M. Zwain
Independent IT and Microsoft Specialist
- Rancho Palos Verdes,
- California,
- United States of America
Member Since: 2008/10/04
Industry: Computer & IT
Top Skills:
Tech Certifications:
Hi there,
My name is Tarik Zwain and I'm an Independent Microsoft Professional with more than 15 years in the industry.
Full Biography
Microsoft Certified Professional offering 15+ years of proven IT achievement. Security focused, with a background that includes developing custom Microsoft Access and SharePoint solutions across a wide variety of clients and industries to proactively implementing better systems integration, automation and in turn, security for 2 nationwide retailers. Detail oriented, a quick learner and excellent communicator who responds well in high-pressure situations and always with a great attitude.
Activity
Points this month0
Total points12,532
Professional Background
Independent IT and Microsoft Specialist
Independent Consultant
October 2017 – Present
Redondo Beach, California
During the past 15+ years of my career, I have built and deployed many production projects for clients of different sizes and industries including Retail, Real Estate, Chemical Analysis and Construction among others. From MS Access and SQL database solutions to Technical Documentation jobs I've maintained high customer loyalty by keeping a focus on rapid delivery and comprehensive support.
System Administrator
National Stores Inc.
February 2016 – August 2017
Gardena, Los Angeles Area, California
Managed Windows, Linux and IBM infrastructure with 60-80 VMs on 8 hosts in 2 datacenters with a prioritized focus on security and PCI compliance for this long-time national retailer. Supported more than 250 stores, 3 distribution centers plus 200 corporate and field personnel.
• Implemented SCCM to automate administrative processes, resulting in improved security and compliance strategies plus a 20% reduction in desktop support staff.
• Developed custom SharePoint solutions that improved payroll processes and increased HR compliance.
• Key investigator in resolving, through licensing discrepancies, a dispute with a major vendor, recovering initial costs and discontinuing a toxic project.
• Implemented SCCM to automate administrative processes, resulting in improved security and compliance strategies plus a 20% reduction in desktop support staff.
• Developed custom SharePoint solutions that improved payroll processes and increased HR compliance.
• Key investigator in resolving, through licensing discrepancies, a dispute with a major vendor, recovering initial costs and discontinuing a toxic project.
System Administrator
Anna's Linens
June 2011 – June 2015
Costa Mesa, Orange County Area, California
Respected member of Infrastructure team in a Windows, IBM and Oracle on RHEL environment for this growing national retailer. Proactively built support relationships with corporate, stores, distribution centers and field end-users. Vital team member for infrastructure security, Backup/DR, PCI Compliance and in charge of SCCM implementation and administration.
• Deployed ESET Enterprise Anti-Malware solution for over 1500 client machines including POS terminals.
• Troubleshot and resolved SCCM database issue that was preventing use of the system, in addition wrote administration manual for automation of MS software updates via SCCM.
• Worked directly with HR to develop training program for more than 3000 store personnel accessed via POS intranet.
• Aided implementation of Cisco unified communications including VOIP.
• Part of a team that used “Snort” to proactively detect and prevent network intrusions.
• Deployed ESET Enterprise Anti-Malware solution for over 1500 client machines including POS terminals.
• Troubleshot and resolved SCCM database issue that was preventing use of the system, in addition wrote administration manual for automation of MS software updates via SCCM.
• Worked directly with HR to develop training program for more than 3000 store personnel accessed via POS intranet.
• Aided implementation of Cisco unified communications including VOIP.
• Part of a team that used “Snort” to proactively detect and prevent network intrusions.
Education
Cal State University Northridge
Undergraduate Work
Chemistry and Computer Science
2003 – 2005
Completed coursework with a GPA of 3.1
College of the Canyons
Junior College Transfer Requirements
Chemistry
2001 – 2003
Completed Junior College coursework transferring to 4-year university CSUN.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual Proficiency
Level Progress
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Overall2
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Windows OS1
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Microsoft Office1
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Active Directory1
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Azure1
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Hardware1
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Server Hardware1
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Windows 101
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Windows Server 20161
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Microsoft Excel1
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SQL1
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Virtualization1