CONTACT

ajmer@eraofdata.com

ajmer dhariwal

@sqlinjun

SKILLS

SQL Server | Database DevOps | DBA | Azure | Performance tuning | Architecture

CERTIFICATIONS

Microsoft
Azure Data Fundamentals
Azure Fundamentals
HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate

EDUCATION

COMPUTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS (BSc)

Birmingham City University

1993-1996

HND COMPUTING

Birmingham City University

1991-1993

https://ajmer.dev

ABOUT

I am a highly experienced SQL Server consultant who has worked for organisations ranging from start-ups to global software vendors in industries ranging from banking to digital remarketing.
I have worked in roles ranging from consultancy and architecture to reliability engineering and database administration.
This combination of experience and roles has enabled me to develop a proven track record for delivering projects ranging from tuning critical low-latency trading systems and digital remarketing applications to ensuring vital banking systems are highly available and resilient, and implementing public and private cloud-based database automation solutions.
As a result, I have a broadened perspective on the technical complexities of implementing efficient and reliable database solutions, allowing me to liaise more effectively with diverse stakeholders to successfully deliver projects, mentor colleagues and act as a database SME.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE

Senior Database DevOps Engineer | 2022 - Present

DBRE role transitioned into full-time involvement in a critical Azure migration project where I have been:

  • helping design and deliver the initial IaC phase utilising Jenkins, PowerShell, Chocolatey and Terraform to automate the IaaS delivery of security compliant SQL Servers from on-premises to Azure
  • creating DR/HA test plans and performance benchmarks to validate the entire application stack

Database Reliability Engineer | 2020 - 2022

Moved to a more proactive role with the UnaVista (UV) team as part of a new Resiliency Engineering team where I have implemented several database optimisations to the estate. Main responsibilities:

  • help design and deliver the initial phase of a major Azure migration project utilising Terraform, Chocolatey and PowerShell to automate the IaaS delivery of security compliant SQL Servers from on-premise to Azure
  • improve the operational visibility and performance of the UnaVista SQL Server database estate via tools like Datadog
  • conduct performance tuning and optimisations of the UnaVista databases and ensure appropriate configuration of anti-virus and other third-party security tools

Additional responsibilities include acting as third line support for the DBA team and mentoring members of the support and development teams via proactive knowledge sharing and best practice presentations regarding database configuration, troubleshooting and performance analysis.


SQL Server Database Architect | 2019 - 2020

Brought in to:

  • standardising and consolidating the architectural build and CIS based security standards of the SQL Server environment that is spread across multiple organisations and domains that constitute the LSE group
  • took ownership of the delivery of the MSSQL builds of the internal cloud solution using VMWare VCF
  • act as third line support for BAU DBA teams

BNP PARIBAS

SQL Server DevOps DBA | 2015 - 2019

Originally a continuation of previous role as SQL Server DBA. BAU role responsible for day-to-day troubleshooting, performance tuning and incident resolution.
Transitioned into DevOps role taking ownership of the SQL Server build automation of worldwide internal cloud solution utilising PowerShell, Jenkins and Ansible and leveraged Delphix for the db restores.

  • Automated builds from DEV & UAT to Production for SQL Server 2012, 2014, 2016.
  • Extending functionality of SQL Server internal cloud offering via an API using Python Flask.
  • Implemented monitoring and alerting solution for the Production offering.
  • Took ownership of MSSQL build automation in internal cloud solution
  • Delivered an automated T-SQL based backup and restore solution utilising NetBackup

SALECYCLE

Lead DBA | 2012 - 2015

Responsible with a Junior DBA for the SaleCycle enterprise data platform from the overall data architecture strategy to day-to-day management of SQL Server and Couchbase (NoSQL) based platforms to ensure that systems remain capable of handling hundreds of high-volume low-latency transactions every second at peak loads.

  • provided mentorship and guidance to members of the DBA and development teams on database performance, security, configuration and query design issues
  • monitored and tuned the SQL Server databases by troubleshooting transactional replication issues, clustering and networking issues, query plan analysis and incorporating proactive monitoring via third party tools and custom PowerShell scripts
  • worked with senior management and the development and implementation teams to determine requirements and apply best practices to the platform
  • re-architected and upgraded SaleCycle Platform to SQL Server 2012 utilising AlwaysOn AG and FusionIO hardware
  • delivered Python based ETL pipeline to import data from Couchbase to MSSQL
  • implemented monitoring and health checks across the database estate

BLUEBAY ASSET MANAGEMENT

Senior DBA | 2011 - 2012

SQL Server database administration role. Working in a team of 3 supporting a SQL Server estate of over 100 database instances running on VMWare, monitoring, tuning and supporting servers 24/7 and ensuring smooth running of maintenance and backup routines. Working closely with development and support teams to ensure all aspects of the applications the firm uses are monitored and running smoothly.


BNP PARIBAS

SQL Server DBA | 2007 - 2011

SQL Server database administration role ensuring the smooth running of the Bank’s vital trading and banking systems via proactive monitoring and on-call support.

  • migrated a key FX trading system which was underperforming to a re-designed database architecture which resolved the performance problems
  • advised development teams on application query/stored procedure design and database architecture
  • configure SQL Server deployments and cluster configurations
  • redesigned a historical trading data warehouse to resolve performance problems
  • monitor and tune SQL Server by troubleshooting performance problems
  • crash dump analysis for the most extreme issues
  • ensured scheduled maintenance tasks jobs, database backups and integrity checks ran successfully
  • supported HA solutions based on stretch clusters, mirroring log-shipping and SQL replication
  • migrated multiple SQL Server 2008R2 databases to SQL Server 2012 & 2016
  • developed a monitoring system for picking up market trades that did not commit in time
  • rewrote existing engineering standards by applying latest best practices and maintaining a standing review of these standards via attendance of relevant conferences and ongoing monitoring of industry publications and blogs
  • development projects completed include a RS interface for a data warehousing project storing historical database usage information to aid forecasting and planning, an internal command-line C# app for monitoring and health-checking SQL Servers and creating an SSRS web site for the dba team
  • developed a monitoring system for picking up market trades that did not commit in time
  • developed a data warehouse for storing and presenting historical database usage information
  • rewrote existing engineering standards by applying latest best practices

MICROSOFT UK

Support Specialist IV | 2005 - 2007

Senior second line support for SQL Server versions 2000 and 2005 to DBAs and developers.

  • Typical issues resolved:
    • SQL Server configuration (memory, NUMA settings) and best practice recommendations
    • diagnosed performance problems
    • tuned queries; often involved reviewing applications and giving architectural advice
    • troubleshoot installation, upgrade, and migration issues
    • resolved cluster setup and configuration issues
    • analysed maintenance plan/backup issues
    • SSIS/DTS development issues in BIDS
    • replication and log-shipping issues
    • troubleshooting database mirroring setup and configuration issues
    • corruption problems and critical system down problems
  • provided support by telephone or email, with occasional site visit for sensitive and critical issues
  • issues resolved by diagnosing and reproducing problems or analysing crash dumps, if required
  • conducted site visits for customers requiring consultancy or other proactive issues
  • provided mentoring to junior members of team and new starters in related teams (e.g. PFEs)
  • SQL Server configuration and performance problems
  • installation, upgrade and migration issues
  • corruption problems and critical system down problems

SYBASE UK

Principal Technical Support Engineer | 1998 - 2005

Supported Sybase customers consisting mainly of DBAs and developers. Most customers were blue chip firms and issues raised were often time critical. Duties involved:

  • Troubleshooting application and database errors or performance issues and diagnosing application/coding issues using proprietary and platform specific diagnostic tools on architecturally complex systems.
    Systems supported ran on Windows and Unix/Linux platforms.
    Products supported included ASE, EAServer and PowerBuilder.
    • Common issues dealt with were:
    • ASE performance and configuration
    • connectivity troubleshooting (JDBC/ODBC/OLEDB)
    • programming issues (PowerBuilder, Java/EJBs)
    • middleware/application server configuration and performance (EAServer)
  • mentored new employees and delivered internal training to fellow engineers across EMEA and gave presentations
  • webmaster for the intranet site for Sybase European Customer Services & Support

MAXIMIZER CRM

Technical Consultant | 1996 - 1998

Initially provided telephone support for end-users, before moving on to:

  • providing consultancy services to customers which involved the customisation of the Maximizer/Tracker range of contact management software to customer specs and requirements via Visual Basic and proprietary macro language
  • creating and maintaining the company web site and intranet
  • developing several technical documents covering the products Maximizer provided and supported and published them on web site reducing support calls by 10-15%.
  • developed an internal order handling system via VB, IE and Maximizer
  • developed an internal order handling system via VB, IE and Maximizer
  • installed and configured Windows NT 4 domain
  • initial design and build of company web site (http://www.max.co.uk))