Martin S.-Senior System Engineer / DevOps

As part of this project, a modern, highly available server environment was built at WBT Vermögensverwaltung GmbH to make the company’s IT infrastructure future-proof and resilient.

Planning and design:

• Analyzing the existing infrastructure and requirements
• Developing a plan for a redundant, scalable server environment using Microsoft Hyper-V
• VMware→Hyper-V migration
• Selecting suitable hardware for the Hyper-V hosts to ensure performance and resilience

Building the server environment:

• Installing and configuring the Hyper-V hosts
• Using high-performance servers with redundant components (e.g. power supplies, hard drives, network cards)
• Setting up Hyper-V virtualization technology for efficient use of resources
• Reinstalling selected servers on Microsoft Server 2022
• Installing operating systems on the virtual machines
• Configuring server services and security policies in line with company standards

VMware→Hyper-V migration (10 VMs):

• Analyzing and categorizing the VMs (critical / less critical)
• Defining individual migration plans for each VM
• Preparing the Hyper-V target environment (network, storage, vSwitch design)
• Cleaning up the VMs (snapshots, VMware Tools)
• Checking OS versions and boot modes (BIOS/UEFI)
• Carrying out migrations only during defined maintenance windows
• Testing the functionality and integration of each VM after go-live
• Documenting the work, including rollback scenarios

Replication and high availability:

• Configuring replication
• Setting up Hyper-V replication between the two hosts to ensure continuous data copying and synchronization
• Setting up automated failover mechanisms to keep operations running without interruption if a host fails
• Testing replication and failover processes to ensure stability and reliability

Tools:

• Jira-Confluence (documentation)
• Disk2VHD, as my preferred tool (Veeam Backup & Recovery) could not be used because of the outdated VMware version (5.x).

Results:

These measures created a robust, resilient server infrastructure that ensures high application availability while also providing flexibility for future expansion.

• Took over the environment for Managed Services
• Implemented and configured RMM tools (Remote Monitoring and Management) from n-able to enable centralized monitoring, control and maintenance of the server environment. Set up automated support, update and monitoring processes to ensure ongoing system stability and security
• Trained the IT team to use the RMM tools, enabling independent management and a fast response to system events, as well as efficient and proactive system support.

• Rebuilt MS-EDV after leaving COM-ON-NET OHG, using modern IT solutions and a new organizational focus
• Established a strategic partnership with PeCe-Software-Service GmbH to expand service offerings and create synergies
• Migrated data center servers and firewalls to a new data center, built on Microsoft Server 2025
• Set up VPN access, optimized the network and provided user training
• Implemented monitoring and automation processes for Managed Services

• Migration planning
• Functional and integration testing for each VM after go-live
• Documentation

Migration of data center servers and firewalls:

The servers and firewalls were successfully migrated to a new, high-performance data center to improve the security, scalability, and availability of the IT infrastructure. All data was transferred securely, and the firewall configurations were adapted to the new environment.

The servers (Hyper-V and virtual servers) were set up on Microsoft Server 2025.

Connecting users to the new data center:

Employees and external users were seamlessly connected to the new data center. This included setting up VPN access, optimizing network connections, and providing training to ensure smooth access to the systems.

Preparing the environment for managed services:

The entire IT environment was prepared for future management through managed services. This included implementing monitoring tools and automation processes, as well as documenting the infrastructure to ensure efficient and proactive system management.

Defining and delivering solutions in data center, hybrid cloud, and infrastructure environments:

Planning, designing, and implementing complex infrastructure solutions that integrate both on-premise and cloud components to provide a flexible and scalable IT environment.

Infrastructure management (System Center):

Using and configuring Microsoft System Center products (e.g., SCCM, SCOM, SCVMM) to monitor, manage, and automate the infrastructure.

Consulting on Windows Server 2012 and 2016:

Supporting the planning, implementation, and troubleshooting of Windows Server 2012/2016, including Active Directory, the Microsoft Active Directory Tiering model, Group Policies, Failover Clustering, and server roles.

Virtualization with Microsoft Hyper-V:

Designing, implementing, and optimizing Hyper-V-based virtualization environments, including storage and network integration.

• Failover Cluster
• Live-Migration
• Storage Spaces Direct

Designing infrastructure solutions and strategies:

Developing strategies for infrastructure architectures, security concepts, and disaster recovery plans.

Operational areas:

• Server infrastructure and virtualization: Managing and optimizing the server environment, especially with Hyper-V, including backup, recovery, and performance optimization.
• Active Directory, Windows Server 2012/2016, Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2016: Administering, troubleshooting, and developing directory services, databases, and server services.
• Blancco | Data erasure: Using Blancco tools for secure data erasure and destruction to meet compliance requirements.
• KEMP | Load balancer: Configuring and operating KEMP load balancers to distribute traffic and ensure high application availability.
• MBAM | BitLocker: Managing Microsoft BitLocker drive encryption using Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM).
• SCEP / McAfee: Using and managing endpoint security solutions, including Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection (SCEP) and McAfee security software.
• AdminShareLogger: Monitoring and logging administrative shares and access activities on servers.
• PowerShell script programming: Developing and automating management and deployment processes using PowerShell to improve efficiency and standardization.

During this period, I played a key role in transitioning a web-based application into production. My responsibilities included supporting the application owner with various important tasks to ensure a smooth transition and stable operations.

My tasks included, among other things:

• Infrastructure expansion: Helping expand and optimize the IT infrastructure to ensure the application's scalability, security, and performance.
• Resource and delivery management: Planning and coordinating the required resources, monitoring project deliveries, and ensuring all milestones were reached on time.
• Reporting: Preparing and maintaining reports on system performance, availability, and other relevant metrics to provide transparency for all stakeholders.
• Liaison with technical operations: Working closely with the operations team to clarify technical requirements, resolve issues quickly, and ensure stable operations.
• Documentation: Carefully documenting all processes, configurations, and changes to ensure the application could be traced and maintained.

This role gave me valuable insight into the operations of a major car manufacturer and helped me further develop my skills in infrastructure, project management, and stakeholder coordination.

During this time, I was responsible for the strategic planning, execution and management of numerous customer projects in IT infrastructure. My focus was on successfully delivering complex infrastructure projects involving both the expansion and relocation of our customers’ IT systems.

My responsibilities included:

• Project management: Planning, coordinating and monitoring projects to ensure they stayed on schedule and within budget.
• Customer consulting: Working closely with customers to understand their specific needs and develop tailored solutions.
• Technical implementation: Leading technical teams in implementing network infrastructures, server relocations, migrations and security concepts.
• Quality control: Ensuring that all projects met high quality standards and that customers were satisfied.
• Innovation management: Integrating new technologies and methods to improve the efficiency and security of our customers’ IT infrastructure.

During this time, I gained valuable experience managing projects, overcoming complex challenges and building lasting customer relationships. My goal was always to create tailored solutions that would support our customers’ business success in the long term.