Multi-Location Infrastructure Modernization
Led the full infrastructure evolution of a multi-location business from physical servers and T1 circuits through virtualization, WAN redesign, VoIP deployment, AWS cloud migration, and ongoing operational modernization across 16 nationwide locations.
Problem
The organization grew from 8 Midwest locations to 16 nationwide branches, each requiring secure connectivity, reliable voice and data services, and access to centralized business systems. The original infrastructure was built on physical servers, dedicated T1 circuits, and manual provisioning patterns that could not scale cost-effectively.
Solution
Designed and executed a phased infrastructure modernization program: virtualized server workloads on VMware ESX with EqualLogic SAN storage, replaced T1 circuits with redundant broadband and site-to-site VPN architecture, deployed a nationwide VoIP phone system with QoS, migrated ~30 production workloads to AWS VPC/EC2/RDS, and optimized telecom contracts and carrier relationships across all locations.
Role
Lead infrastructure architect and implementation owner
Technologies
Impact
- Migrated ~30 production workloads to AWS, completing the bulk migration in under 2 weeks under crisis conditions
- Designed multi-location network architecture supporting 16 branches with VPN connectivity, QoS, and centralized VoIP
- Reduced network connectivity costs by ~$75K/year by migrating from T1 circuits to broadband with redundancy
- Reduced telecom costs by ~$50K/year through carrier migration and contract optimization
- Virtualized physical server infrastructure on VMware ESX with EqualLogic SAN, reducing hardware dependence
- Supported 200+ employees across 16 nationwide locations with secure hybrid cloud connectivity