About George Michaelides: Systems Architect, MCT, and IT Mentor
Welcome to gmichael.com!
I’m an Infrastructure Architect and Systems Engineer with over 15 years of professional experience in the IT industry. My journey has taken me through global financial enterprises like Aon Corporation, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank, as well as esteemed law firms such as Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with various medium-sized and regional organizations, each contributing to the rich tapestry of my professional background.
My Mission
This blog is a culmination of my passion for technology and a desire to give back to the IT community. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), I find great fulfillment in teaching and mentoring others. With the increasing importance of security and automation in today’s IT landscape, I focus on providing in-depth resources on securing Active Directory environments and implementing VMware Aria Automation. Whether you’re an aspiring IT professional or a seasoned veteran, my goal is to empower you with knowledge that enhances your skills and streamlines your workflows.
Certifications & Expertise
Throughout my career, I’ve obtained several industry-recognized certifications, including:
- Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Azure Certifications
- VMware Certified Professional
- Citrix Certified Professional
My expertise spans a wide range of technologies, with a particular focus on:
Active Directory (AD): Extensive experience in deploying, securing, and managing Active Directory environments. I’ve implemented robust identity and access management solutions, ensuring organizations have secure and efficient directory services.
VMware Aria Products: Specializing in implementing VMware Aria Automation, I’ve helped organizations automate their infrastructure deployment and management processes. This has led to increased efficiency, consistency, and agility within IT operations.
Passion for Teaching and Mentoring
As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and helping others succeed in their IT careers. I have conducted training sessions, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring, covering topics from basic networking to advanced cloud architectures. I believe in fostering a collaborative learning environment where ideas are freely exchanged and innovation thrives.
Professional Highlights
I’ve had the opportunity to lead and participate in a wide array of projects:
- Operating System Migrations: Streamlining transitions to newer, more efficient systems.
- Infrastructure Virtualization: Deploying VMware vSphere and Hyper-V solutions to optimize resource utilization.
- Infrastructure Automation: Implementing VMware Aria Automation (formerly vRealize Automation 8.x) to enhance operational efficiency through automation.
- Active Directory Implementations & Security: Designing, deploying, and securing Active Directory environments to protect organizational assets and ensure compliance.
- Application Virtualization: Utilizing Microsoft App-V for seamless application delivery.
- Exchange & SQL Clustering: Designing and migrating robust Exchange and SQL cluster environments.
- Citrix Solutions: Deploying XenApp, XenDesktop, and configuring NetScaler platforms (SDX, ADC, MPX, ADM).
- Thin Client Computing: Implementing solutions with Wyse and HP devices for efficient resource usage.
- Cloud Computing: Crafting and deploying solutions across AWS, Azure, and other cloud platforms.
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Developing strategies to ensure organizational resilience.
- Dell VxRail Design: Architecting hyper-converged infrastructure solutions for enhanced performance.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you find the content helpful and inspiring.