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Mohammed Fatah

Hi there, my name is Mohammed Fatah, I am a IT Professional that lives in The Netherlands, within the beautiful city of Amsterdam, in my spare time I am involved with technical developments within the IT field, I like to help the people around me and I enjoy taking on challenges.

Welcome to my digital portfolio! I’m Mohammed Fatah, a dedicated IT professional based in Amsterdam. Explore my site to learn more about my expertise in tech support and IT services. Let’s connect and create impactful solutions together. 

As an IT enthusiast and professional since 2017, currently enhancing the tech landscape, I take pride in providing top-notch IT support and developing custom solutions to help companies move forward in their mission. My journey in tech is driven by a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to excellence.

Overview

In this pivotal project at Rainforest Alliance, I played a key role in migrating all local Active Directory Devices to Microsoft Azure. The main objective was to streamline device management and improve operational efficiency by leveraging Azure’s cloud capabilities.

 

My Role

As a proactive member of the project team, I was tasked with the crucial groundwork of preparation and procedure development. My responsibilities included crafting effective migration strategies, researching tools and methodologies, and laying down the procedural framework for a seamless transition.

 

Technologies and Tools

This project required a deep dive into various technologies, with a significant focus on Microsoft’s ecosystem. I utilized Microsoft Autopilot for device management and heavily relied on PowerShell scripting for automation and configuration tasks. Extensive research on the Microsoft website and other resources was pivotal in successfully executing this project.

 

Challenges and Solutions

One of the primary challenges was navigating the relatively new terrain of Azure migration, coupled with the vast number of devices involved. I overcame these challenges by diligently studying various documentations, adapting to the hardware requirements like TPM 2.0 for encryption, and meticulously planning the migration process in collaboration with the customer.

 

Impact and Results

The successful completion of this project led to several significant improvements:

  • Seamless device management through Microsoft Intune.
  • Remote reinstallation capabilities for devices.
  • Enhanced user experience with Single Sign-On (SSO) integration.
  • Efficient software deployment via Intune.
 

 

Lessons Learned

This project was a tremendous learning curve, enriching my skillset in systematic planning, preparation, and execution of large-scale IT projects. It also deepened my expertise in managing devices on the Azure platform.

 

 

 

I undertook a pivotal project for the DevOps department, focusing on the packaging and deployment of essential tools. This project involved customizing and deploying a variety of software to meet our specific organizational needs. Key accomplishments include:

  • Packaging and deploying various tools such as SQLite3, Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer, Git, DBeaver, and PostgreSQL through Intune.
  • Updating and adding key GIS software like ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap), and QGIS as Intune deployments.
  • Streamlining web and software development tools including Google Earth Pro, Firefox, Excel, Notepad++, Python 3.7, R 42.3, RStudio, Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, and Anaconda3.
  • Enhancing our database management capabilities with SQL Server Express and SQL Server Management Studio.
  • Creating a package for Adobe Acrobat Pro, ensuring efficient document handling across departments.
 
 
 

This project was a testament to my ability to manage complex software deployments and adapt them to our specific operational needs, significantly enhancing our DevOps capabilities.

 

 

In a groundbreaking initiative for our department, I spearheaded the full automation of user account creation using the Microsoft Power Platform, catering to distinct account types and making 3 Power Automate flows for: “full employees”, “consultants”, and “guests”. This project was not just a technical endeavor but a significant step towards operational efficiency.

Full Employee & Consultant Account Automation

  • Form Trigger and Variables: The process begins with a trigger from an IT on-boarding form, capturing variables like manager details, and the new employee’s name.
  • Name Formatting and Email Generation: Names are formatted by capitalizing the first letter and concatenating insertions. For email generation, the first letter of the first name and the last name are used, adding ‘.consultant’ for consultant emails.
  • Account Creation and Approval Process: A critical aspect is composing the User Principal Name and initiating an approval process. Account creation only proceeds upon approval, enhancing security and oversight.
 

Guest Account Automation

  • Unique Approach: Automating guest accounts required a novel approach. I developed an app and used HTTP actions, applying the learnings from automating the full employee and consultant accounts flows.
  • Innovative Techniques: This part of the project involved intricate techniques like using HTTP requests to interact with Azure AD and automating the invitation process for guest accounts.
 

Comprehensive Account Management

  • Random Character Generation: For additional security, the flow generates a random string, potentially usable as a unique identifier or password.
  • Approval and Activation: After managerial approval, the account is activated with appropriate credentials.
  • Notification and Security: Upon activation, encrypted emails notify managers and relevant personnel, ensuring a secure and informed onboarding process.
 

Documentation and Detailing

  • The process is meticulously documented, outlining every step from the initial trigger to the final notification. This documentation serves as a reference and a guide for future improvements and iterations.
 

These flows automate the entire process of on-boarding a new user in the IT department,  from capturing the necessary details, creating the account, seeking approval, activating the account, and notifying the relevant parties. 

 

It greatly reduces the manual work involved in these processes and ensures consistency and accuracy

 

This project showcases my comprehensive skills in automating complex systems and my commitment to improving operational efficiency and security in account management.

 

My Skills

  • Educational Background: With my vocational background in System Engineering, I have gained a deep understanding of complex technology systems, which has enriched my ability to approach IT challenges with creativity.
  • Remote Support: Dedicated to ensuring regional colleagues are fully supported with IT challenges, no matter their location.
  • Active Directory Management: Adept at streamlining account access and permissions with precision.
  • Confluence Spaces and Jira Administration: Experienced in crafting collaborative environments for knowledge sharing and efficient project management.
  • Technical Support: Versatile in handling a wide range of tech needs, from mobile device setup to printer maintenance.
  • Laptop Maintenance: Expert in regular upkeep for optimal laptop performance.
  • User Instructions: Skilled in translating complex tech language into user-friendly guides.
  • Workspace Optimization: Designing ergonomic and efficient workstations for enhanced productivity.
  • Cable and Network Solutions: Customizing connections with skillfully crafted UTP/patch cables.
  • Group Management: Navigating the intricacies of user groups across various IT platforms.
  • Azure AAD Account Management: Proficient in managing and securing Azure Active Directory accounts, ensuring robust access controls and user management.
  • Power Platform Expertise: Skilled in Power Automate for creating efficient workflows, managing databases, and developing intuitive Power Apps.
  • Intune Management: Specialized in deploying custom software solutions and creating powershell and batch scripts for streamlined IT operations.
  • Technical Proficiency: My skill set includes advanced knowledge in Linux.
  • Programming: Python, having completed professional certification
 
 

  1. Azure AD

    1. User Management: Account lifecycle operations (creation, modification, disabling, removal) for employees and consultants.

    2. Group Management: Lifecycle operations for (security) groups (creation, modification, removal).

    3. User-Group Association: Assigning groups to users.

    4. Group-Intune Integration: Linking groups with Intune packages.

    5. Group-SSO Integration: Associating groups with SSO applications.

    6. Application Oversight: Registration and management of applications.

    7. SSO Management: Setting up and managing SSO connections.

    8. Secrets Handling: Managing secret credentials.

    9. Role Assignment: Allocating specific permissions/roles to users.

    Intune

    1. Package Management: Developing and revising software installation packages.

    2. Autopilot Implementation: Device registration.

    3. Device Enrollment Optimization: Enhancing the process for new device enrollment.

    SharePoint

    1. Site Administration: Creating, modifying, and decommissioning SharePoint sites.

    2. External Access Management: Regulating application access for external tools.

    Office 365

    1. User Management: Managing employee and consultant accounts (creation, modification, disabling, removal).

    2. Mailbox Administration: Lifecycle operations for user mailboxes (creation, modification, removal).

    3. Permission Control via PowerShell: Modifying permissions using PowerShell.

    4. Shared Mailbox Management: Lifecycle operations for shared mailboxes (creation, modification, removal) and integration with systems like Jira Service Management.

    5. Teams Oversight: Creating, modifying, and decommissioning Teams.

    6. Teams Policy Management: Regulating Teams policies.

    7. Email Security Management: Handling Not Junk, Junk, and Phishing reports.

    8. Mail Flow Auditing: Checking for false positives in mail flow.

    9. Mail Rule Adjustment: Modifying email rules.

    Jira

    1. Project Management: Creating and managing Jira Software and Jira Service Management projects.

    2. User Support: Assisting users with projects, processes, and app usage.

    3. Automation Implementation: Establishing automation flows with built-in tools or ScriptRunner scripts.

    Confluence

    1. Space Management: Creating, managing, and deleting Confluence spaces.

    2. User Support: Assisting users in Confluence utilization.

    3. Permission Oversight: Managing access permissions.

    4. App Maintenance: Managing app add-ons.

    Microsoft Forms

    1. User Assistance: Providing support in Microsoft Forms utilization.

    Microsoft Power Apps

    1. Flow Development: Creating and maintaining automation Flows.

    2. User Support: Assisting users with their Flows, including email integration for Microsoft Forms.

    3. App Development: Creating and maintaining Power Apps for IT OPS.

    4. Dataverse Management: Overseeing Dataverse operations.

    Laptop and Windows Support

    1. Regional User Support: Assisting users across European locations, including Amsterdam and London.

    2. Laptop Provisioning: Issuing laptops to new and existing employees.

    3. Issue Resolution: Addressing hardware and software issues, including Windows, updates, and organizational tools (OneDrive, Office 365 applications).

    4. Vendor Liaison: Coordinating with suppliers for hardware repairs.

    PowerShell Scripting

    1. Operational Scripting: Utilizing scripts for reporting, making changes, and managing APIs.

    Office equipment

    1. Office Hardware: Updating device firmware and cable maintenance for presentation equipment, screens, projectors, and webcam devices.

    2. Network equipment: Maintaining, managing, and monitoring network equipment, switches, and access points.

    3. Accesspoints: Creating, maintaining, and managing patch cables. including patching wall outlets and upgrading access points.

    4. Printers: Repairing updating and maintaining office Printers including firmware updates and toner replacement.

    5. Laptop repair (out of warranty)

Let’s Connect and Collaborate!

I am always open to exploring new opportunities, sharing knowledge, and collaborating on innovative IT projects. Whether you have a question, need advice, or are interested in working together, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please feel free to contact me via the form. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn for professional networking and updates. I look forward to hearing from you and exploring how we can create impactful solutions together.