Windows Server Stack & Meraki MX100 Deployment for Retail Business in Gig Harbor, WA

Project Overview

As an IT specialist, I led a comprehensive infrastructure deployment for a retail store and attached offices in Gig Harbor, Washington, with a team of 30 active staff. The objective was to upgrade their server environment and network infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency, security, and scalability.

The project involved setting up a new Microsoft Windows Server stack, deploying a Meraki MX100 firewall, and coordinating with multiple third-party vendors to ensure seamless migration of roles and services to the new hardware.

Key Deliverables

1. VMware vSphere Virtualization Setup

- Configured a new physical host server running VMware vSphere v.7.

- Deployed and configured four Microsoft-based virtual machines to manage different business applications.

2. Migration of Line-of-Business Applications

- Coordinated the migration of eight critical applications from six legacy physical servers (Windows Server 2008).

- Worked alongside third-party vendors responsible for their respective application migrations, ensuring compliance with their requirements.

3. Networking & Security Enhancement

- Implemented a Cisco Meraki MX100 firewall and configured it in coordination with the on-site team.

- Reviewed and optimized FortiGate settings for compatibility with the new infrastructure.

- Established a secure L2TP VPN via Cisco Meraki with Azure Active Directory-integrated authentication (MFA enabled), enhancing secure remote access for staff.

4. Microsoft 365 Integration & Licensing Standardization

- Aligned licensing and enabled multi-factor authentication across Microsoft 365 services, supporting secure cloud-based communication.

5. Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

- Provided thorough documentation of all configurations, technical choices, and environment setup for the internal IT team.

- Assisted with end-user transition and ensured full functionality post-cutover, leaving the business fully operational on the new setup.

Results

The project concluded successfully with:

- A complete cutover to the new server and firewall setup.

- Decommissioning of the legacy servers, reducing maintenance and energy costs.

- Streamlined and secure network access through Meraki and Azure AD integration.

- A fully documented environment setup handed off to the client, empowering their IT team for future management.

Technical Skills Utilized

- VMware vSphere: Virtualization setup and management

- Windows Server & Active Directory: Deployment and migration

- Networking: Cisco Meraki MX100 configuration, VPN setup, FortiGate adjustments

- Cloud Services: Microsoft 365, licensing, MFA setup

This project was delivered remotely, with collaboration across local and remote teams to ensure seamless deployment and minimal disruption to the client’s daily operations. This experience highlights my technical expertise, project coordination abilities, and commitment to delivering efficient and sustainable IT solutions.