DEV Community: Muhammad Bilal

Muhammad Bilal: A Technical Visionary and Expert in Enterprise IT Solutions

Muhammad Bilal — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:15:05 +0000

In the dynamic world of technology, where innovation and expertise are paramount, there are individuals who stand at the forefront of this transformation, bridging the gap between what is possible and what can be achieved. I stand as a dedicated and self-motivated professional with over 17 years of experience in the realm of Enterprise level Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Products implementations and support. I am a seasoned technical consultant with a passion for pushing the boundaries of enterprise-level solutions.

As a Technical Consultant III at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, my journey has been marked by continuous growth and impactful contributions. My areas of specialization are as diverse as the challenges I've embraced:

Domain Mastery:

HPE CRAY Supercomputer: Spearheading the deployment of the region's most powerful supercomputer, the Shaheen III, has been a pinnacle of my career. The anticipation of its full operational status in 2023/2024 is a testament to my commitment to advancing technological capacities. This achievement showcases my ability to manage complex projects with strategic precision.

HPE Superdome: I take immense pride in my exceptional achievements, having had the honour of being the first individual in Saudi Arabia to effectively deploy HPE Superdome Flex servers for mission-critical solutions at esteemed organizations like Saudi National Bank (SNB), PetroRabigh, and ALJ Motors.

HPE NonStop Systems: My proficiency in HPE NonStop Systems has had a significant impact on the banking industry, particularly at esteemed financial institutions such as SNB, SAB, and Bank Al Jazira. As a Trusted Technical Advisor, I played a vital role in designing and deploying cutting-edge OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) infrastructure, leveraging HPE NonStop X servers. This infrastructure has been instrumental in managing and operating one of the largest ATM networks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Storage Solutions: I've designed, installed, and configured a range of HPE Storage Solutions including XP8, P9500, PRIMERA, 3PAR, Nimble, and MSA, tailoring them to enterprise-level customer needs.

Virtualization & Cloud Technologies: Proficient in VMware, vSAN, vCenter, and Microsoft Hyper-V, I've played a vital role in ensuring seamless virtualization environments.

Solution Architect: With a strategic mindset, I've contributed to architecting solutions for various enterprises, optimizing their IT infrastructure and operations.

Project Lifecycle Management: From conception to execution, I've managed projects encompassing critical phases such as planning, deployment, configuration, and post-implementation support.

A Dynamic Career Path:

My journey commenced with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an insatiable curiosity that propelled me into the intricate realm of technology. My hands-on involvement with HPE CRAY Supercomputers, HPE NonStop Systems, HPE Superdome Servers and a wide array of other HPE products, spanning high-end to mid-range, has firmly established me as a technical virtuoso. My proficiency spans across various operating systems, encompassing HPUX, Linux, VMware and Windows, thus highlighting my adaptability and versatility across diverse platforms.

Since joining Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in March 2016 as a F.T.S Consultant III based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, I have demonstrated expertise as a Technical Consultant at an expert level, offering comprehensive technical consultation and support to strategic clients. My proficiency spans diverse products, encompassing CRAY Supercomputers, HPE Apollo High Performance Computers, HPE NonStop Systems, Synergy, Servers, Blades, HPE Storages, and Backup systems. I possess deep knowledge of operating systems, Hyper-Converged Infrastructure, and HPE Converged Systems for SAP HANA. A notable achievement involves contributing to the prestigious HPE CRAY Supercomputer project, Shaheen III, set to be the Middle East's most powerful. I've deployed advanced OLTP infrastructure with HPE NonStop X servers for the Saudi National Bank's extensive ATM network, as well as designed and deployed critical banking systems using Superdome 2, Flex, Apollo, and Synergy servers. Proficient in HPE Storages, I've designed, installed, and configured various models and executed reliable HPE Backup/Archiving Solutions using products like StoreOnce and Enterprise Tape Libraries. My role extends as a Trusted Advisor Technical to prominent clients, cementing my reputation as a go-to technical expert.

During my role as Sr. Systems Engineer at Advanced Electronics Company in Riyadh from January 2014 to February 2016, I led a team of five engineers in designing and implementing a robust infrastructure serving nine million external users across Production/DR Datacenters and an Operations Center. This encompassed servers, operating systems, and backup solutions, with a notable achievement being the successful setup of a Disaster Recovery solution spanning 1100 KM between Datacenters. Additionally, I provided Solution Architect expertise for HPE-related opportunities, contributing significantly to the company's technological advancement.

At Hewlett-Packard from November 2012 to May 2013, I assumed the roles of VMware Technical Consultant and Sr. Server Specialist, contributing my expertise to key projects at National Commercial Bank and EMAAR in Jeddah. My responsibilities involved delivering enterprise-level support for HPE Servers, Blades, Virtual Connect, and storage, including HP 3PAR. I also provided adept assistance in managing virtualization environments with VMware and Hyper-V, as well as implementing HP Data Protector Backup Solution, thus significantly enhancing operational efficiency and technical solutions for these clients.

During my tenure at SYSNET MIDDLE EAST FZ LLC in Dubai from April 2012 to November 2012, I served as a Systems Engineer within the Systems/Field Engineering team. My role encompassed delivering advanced support for HP Servers, Storages, Virtualization, and Data Backup solutions to clients, primarily in Dubai. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in providing valuable Technical Pre-Sales consulting services, contributing significantly to the organization's client engagement and solution development efforts.

In my role as a Systems Engineer at MULTILYNX SYSTEMS & NETWORKS from October 2010 to April 2012 in Islamabad, Pakistan, I was an integral part of the Enterprise Services Group. I provided technical support to an array of prominent clients including Mobilink, Telenor Pakistan, PTCL, Wi-Tribe, and various others. My responsibilities included proficiently configuring, administering, and troubleshooting operating systems such as HP-UX, RedHat Linux, and Windows Server OS, while also specializing in HP Integrity Servers administration, virtualization implementations, SAN deployment, and storage management. With expertise in Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware vSphere environments, I managed high-availability infrastructure and engaged in hardware relocation projects, all while ensuring optimal performance through backup solutions like HP Data Protector and VERITAS NetBackup.

At IMUNAR, I held the role of System Engineer from April 2010 to October 2010 in Islamabad, Pakistan. I was accountable for the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of UNIX Servers in an enterprise setting, ensuring optimal performance through operating system and application optimization. My responsibilities extended to delivering technical solutions, supporting Helpdesk and other departments, implementing effective backup strategies, and managing the NetBackup 6.5 solution for comprehensive enterprise-level backups.

As a System Engineer at Interactive Communications in Islamabad from June 2008 to February 2010, I held a pivotal role in the installation, maintenance, and up-gradation of enterprise UNIX Servers, focusing on optimizing operating systems and applications as per client needs. My responsibilities extended to delivering technical solutions and supporting departments, including overseeing significant projects such as the installation and management of UNIX servers for the Pakistan Automated Fingerprints Identification System (PAFIS) deployed by Lockheed Martin. I also demonstrated proficiency in creating high-availability clusters, managing StorageTek D280 Disk Subsystem SAN, and implementing an NMS across remote sites. Moreover, I handled intricate tasks like configuring backup solutions, Oracle 10g installations, HP-UX file system management, device administration, and system performance monitoring, thus contributing comprehensively to the organization's technical landscape.

In my role as a System Engineer at LINKdotNET in Islamabad from January 2006 to June 2008, I played a critical role in the installation, maintenance, and continuous operation of both *NIX and Windows Servers, overseeing dependable applications and providing technical support to various regional zones of the company. I notably implemented a Network Management System (NMS) for troubleshooting client-end issues. My responsibilities spanned across diverse tasks, such as configuring HP-UX on HP PA-RISC servers, managing HP-UX devices, overseeing software and patch management, deploying various server applications like Samba, DNS, and DHCP, conducting email migrations, managing Cisco/Juniper network devices, implementing NetBackup solutions, and configuring VPN setups. Moreover, I exhibited proficiency in MS Windows administration, Exchange Server management, Active Directory, DNS, SQL Server, and various hardware platforms, including IBM System X3600/3800 Servers, DELL Power Edge 2450/2950 Servers, and SUN Servers.

Projects That Redefine Possibilities:

Here are some highlights from my noteworthy project portfolio that exemplify innovation and excellence:

• SAP HANA TDI (Tailored Datacenter Integration) solution deployment with VMware Virtualization and backup setup (DL 380 Gen10, MSA Storage, StoreOnce, Brocade SAN and Aruba ToR switches) for JAMJOOM PHARMA, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• HPE SuperDome2/SuperDome FLEX/ NonStop/Synergy/Apollo Servers and MSL Tape libraries deployment on Production and DR sites for Saudi National Bank, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Deployment & configuration of 29 Synergy Frames and 172 Servers with DS3940 storage modules for VMware vSAN environment for National Information Center (NIC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• 3PAR StoreServ iSCSI HBA installation/configuration and Storage Provisioning to Windows/Linux and VMware Servers for Tabouk University, Tabouk, Saudi Arabia
• HPE StoreOnce 5200 and ProLiant DL380 G10 servers installation and Configuration for IKK & PARTNERS, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• HPE Primera and 2 x SAN Switches installation & Configuration for King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• 3PAR StoreServ 8000/3PAR SP/StoreEasy 1660/ ProLiant DL 380 Servers and VMware/vCenter deployment & configuration for Hail Maternity and Children Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia
• HPE 3PAR 8200 **storage / HPE StoreEasy 1660 / C7000 Enclosure installation and Configuration for Mobily, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• HPE **Synergy/MSA Storage 2050/ HEP Storage File controller/SAN Switches Installation & Configuration for ABDUL LATIF JAMEEL UNITED FINANCE, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Apollo R2600/ XL170r Servers and VMware/vCenter Installation & Configuration for General Electric, Abha, Saudi Arabia
• Synergy/Blade Servers, Synergy D3940 CTO Storage installation and Apollo 4200 servers storage upgrade for GENERAL ORGANIZATION FOR SOCIAL INSURANCE, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• HPE Superdome Flex Server Installation & Configuration for LATIF JAMEEL CO. LTD, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• HPE CS500 SAP HANA Scale-up Appliance, HPE SAP HANA Scale-up Storage, Aruba 5406R zl2 Switch, HPE StoreOnce 3540 24TB System, HPE DL380 Gen10 and VMware 6.5 Implementation for AL YAMAMAH STEEL Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• HPE Hyper Converged 250 system designed, installed and configured for AL AHLIA RESTAURANTS company in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Expertise and Certifications:

My commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is reflected in an impressive array of certifications:

ITIL 4 Foundation
HPE Synergy Master
RED HAT CERTIFIED SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR-7
VMware Certified Professional 2023 - Data Center Virtualization
VMware Certified Professional 6.5 - Data Center Virtualization
VMware Certified Professional 6 – Cloud Management and Automation
VMware Certified Professional 5 - Data Center Virtualization
HP Master ASE - Storage Solutions Architect V1
HP ASE – Storage Solutions Architect V1
HP ASE – Storage Solutions Integrator V1
HP ATP – Storage Solutions V1
HP APC – StorageWorks Solutions Architect [2011]
HP ASE – StorageWorks Integration [2011]
HP AIS – StorageWorks Integration [2011]
HP CSE – Specialty in High Availability – HP-UX 11i v3
HP CSA – HP-UX 11i v3
HP ASE – HP BladeSystem Solutions [2010]
HP AIS – HP BladeSystem Solutions [2010]
HP AIS – HP Integrity Server Systems [2006]
HP AIS – HP Data Protector
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator-MESSAGING 2003
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
Microsoft Certified Systems Professional
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (Enterprise Routing Track)
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JUNOS Security Track)
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (Enterprise Routing Track)
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (Enterprise Switching Track)
IBM System p5 Virtualization Technical Support
Brocade Certified Network Engineer 2012 (BRCD00033346)
C++ Programmer
SCE: Saudi Council of Engineers Accreditation, Membership # 530050

Judge for the Globee Awards - Spring 2023

Globee Awards for Information Technology 2023
Globee Awards for American Business 2023

Trainings: A Testament to Lifelong Learning:

I have completed a comprehensive range of professional training programs that reflect my diverse technical expertise and continuous commitment to skill development:

VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware Tanzu Kubernetes Grid -Install, Configure, Manage [V1.5]
VMware Cloud Foundation: Planning, Management, Operations [V4.3]
HPE Superdome 3200 Installation and Maintenance
HPE Superdome Flex 280 Installation and Maintenance
HPE Superdome Flex Server Installation and Maintenance
HPE NonStop NB-series Field Support Training [HG768S]
HPE NonStop NS4 and NS8 Field Support
HPE NonStop Field Support Training [HPES HK286S]
HPE GreenLake for Block Storage Installation and Startup
Cray ClusterStor E1000 System Administration
Cray ClusterStor E1000 Hardware
Cray ClusterStor E1000 Cabling
HPE Cray ClusterStor E1000 Architecture
HPE Cray ClusterStor E1000 – Installer
HPE Cray ClusterStor E1000 - Onsite Repair
HPE Cray ClusterStor E1000 - System Admin
HPE Cray ClusterStor E1000 - Technical Consultant
HPE Cray ClusterStor E1000 Remove and Replace – Videos
HPE Cray EX Overview
HPE Cray EX Supercomputer Hardware -(Liquid-Cooled)
HPE Cray Supercomputer Hardware -(Air-Cooled)
HPE XP8 Storage Hardware Service and Support
HPE XP8 Storage Array Administration and Configuration
HPE Storage Works P9500 Enterprise Array Hardware Service and Support
HPE 3PAR StoreServ 20000 Storage System Installation, Startup and Upgrade
HPE Nimble Storage Installation and Startup
HPE Ezmeral Runtime Enterprise Administration
Negotiating Skills - Negotiating and Influencing for Results
Time Management - Managing your Time and Setting Priorities
Linux Containers
Troubleshooting HPE OneView
HPE SimpliVity 380 Software Install
HPE SimpliVity 380 Advanced Technical Support
HPE BladeSystem c-Class Firmware and Driver Analysis & Management Workshop
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V5.0]
HPE 3PAR Hardware Training -00552940
Supporting and Servicing the HP Integrity Blade System Superdome 2 -02014269
HP Integrity Superdome X Servers L200 Service and Support -02061661
HPE StoreOnce Gen 3 Installation, Configuration and Troubleshooting ILT
HPE StoreOnce Service and Support -02032401
ITIL® Foundation 4 training
HPE 3PAR Developing Software Expertise (00684109) -02042630
HPE OneView 2.00 Installation, Startup and Troubleshooting -02013040
HP-UX Ignite [HPES h1978] -02039870
Managing HP 3PAR Disk Arrays -02001409
Mission Critical Managing Microsoft Virtualization Foundations – 02045538
Supporting vPars v5.x on HP-UX -02019185
Integrating HPE Synergy Solutions Rev. 17.31 (ID 01092647)
HPE Synergy NOS Training 1064632
Designing and Implementing HP StorageWorks Enterprise Backup Solutions
Data Protector 6.1 Software Essentials
HP Virtual Connect Technical Training
HP BladeSystem c7000 Enclosure Training
HP P10000 3PAR Storage System Technical Overview
3PAR S and T Class InServ Storage Server Training
3PAR F-Class InServ Storage Server Training
3PAR E200 InServ Storage Server Training
3PAR InServ Storage Server Hardware Introduction Training
3PAR Secure Service Training
3PAR Presentation and Demonstrate Features and Functionality WBT
HP StorageWorks P4000 SAN Configuration and Administration, Rev. 11.1
HP LeftHand P4000 SANs Basic Training
HP StorageWorks EVA 4400 Installation
HP StorageWorks MSA P2000 Product overview
Superdome2 Training WBT
HP Integrity Entry-Level and Mid-Range System Technology
HP Integrity Multi-OS Installation and Deployment
HP StorageWorks VLS and D2D Solutions
HP StorageWorks X1000 – X3000 Network Storage Systems Product Family
HP BladeSystem c-Class Enclosures Technical Training
HP ProLiant BL6/4/200c Server Blade Family Technical Training
SAN Fundamentals WBT
HP ProLiant BL6/4XXc Server Blade Family Technical Training

Diplomas:

System Administration (LINUX) -Pakistan Computer Bureau
Advanced Diploma in Computer Sciences -STICS
CDMA Course -IQRA University Islamabad
PNE (Practical Network Engineering) -ASCOMIT
E-Commerce (Web Designing & Development) - e-teck

Seminar/Workshops

Seminar on Designing and Deploying Enterprise Clouds
Managing Oracle 11g on Linux, Workshop
4th International Workshop on Frontiers of Information Technology

Other Qualities:

Guiding the Way as a Mentor and Visionary:
Beyond my impressive technical expertise, I find my impact is magnified through my role as a mentor and visionary. Throughout my journey, I've strived to not only enhance my own abilities but also empower those around me. My dedication to education shines through in my involvement with various training programs, contributing to the growth of aspiring technology leaders.

A Vision for the Future:
Drawing from my extensive experience and expertise, I envision myself in a dynamic role where I can continue refining my skills across various operating systems, virtualization techniques, and cloud technologies. I am unwaveringly committed to evolving into an advanced-level professional in multi-vendor storage and server products. My unrelenting passion for learning, coupled with my drive to contribute to my employer's growth and my personal development, positions me as a genuine asset in the realm of enterprise solutions.

Fostering Innovation and Making an Impact:
I've consistently demonstrated my capacity to drive innovation, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute to the growth of my employers. My expertise has been leveraged by Saudi National Bank, PetroRabigh, and numerous other enterprises, where I've served as a trusted advisor for implementing crucial IT solutions.

Conclusion

From the innovative world of HPE CRAY Supercomputers to the intricacies of VMware virtualization, my journey has been marked by a dedication to excellence and an unwavering commitment to advancing the technological landscape. My expertise spans from project inception to execution, and my accomplishments are a reflection of my passion for innovation and technological advancement.
In this ever-changing technological landscape, my dedication to continuous learning and adaptation ensures that I stay at the forefront, influencing the direction of technology and propelling innovation in enterprise-level solutions.

As I look towards the future, I am excited to continue making meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving world of technology.

Breaking Barriers: HPE Cray Supercomputer Sets New World Records in High-Performance Computing

Muhammad Bilal — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:31:58 +0000

In the world of high-performance computing (HPC), there is a continuous quest for pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The pursuit of faster, more powerful, and efficient supercomputers has been a driving force behind ground-breaking research and technological advancements. In this spirit, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has once again cemented its position as a leader in the HPC space with the introduction of the HPE Cray Supercomputer, shattering records and opening new frontiers in computational capabilities.

The Era of Exascale Computing

The HPE Cray Supercomputer represents a monumental milestone in the field of high-performance computing, heralding the era of exascale computing. Exascale is defined as one quintillion (10^18 i.e., a billion-billion) floating point calculations per second. For purposes of scale, it would take 40,000 years for one quintillion gallons of water to spill over Niagara Falls. This extraordinary level of processing power allows scientists, researchers, and engineers to tackle complex challenges that were once deemed insurmountable.

One of the most remarkable feats of the HPE Cray Supercomputer is its ability to crunch massive datasets at unprecedented speeds. It enables scientists to simulate intricate systems, such as climate models, astrophysical phenomena, molecular interactions, and nuclear fusion, with exceptional precision and detail. The computational muscle of the HPE Cray opens up new possibilities for breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from climate science to drug discovery.

Architectural Marvels

At the heart of the HPE Cray Supercomputer lies the revolutionary Slingshot interconnect, designed by Cray, which facilitates ultra-fast data transfer rates and minimizes latency. This high-speed interconnect is pivotal in unleashing the full potential of the supercomputer, enabling thousands of nodes to communicate seamlessly, thereby amplifying the parallel processing capabilities.

Moreover, the supercomputer's architecture has been meticulously designed to optimize power efficiency. The HPE Cray Supercomputer is built using next-generation processors, and the incorporation of liquid cooling technology ensures that it operates at peak performance while consuming minimal energy. This focus on energy efficiency is not only cost-effective but also reflects HPE's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly technology.

Revolutionizing Scientific Research

The HPE Cray Supercomputer has already begun to revolutionize scientific research across various domains. Astrophysicists are using the supercomputer's capabilities to model complex cosmological events and gravitational interactions, providing new insights into the nature of the universe. Climate scientists can now run highly detailed climate models at regional scales, improving our understanding of climate change and its potential impacts.

In the realm of medicine, the HPE Cray is accelerating drug discovery by simulating the interactions between potential drug candidates and target molecules. This process expedites the identification of promising compounds, leading to more efficient drug development pipelines and, ultimately, better treatments for various diseases.

Dominating the Field - HPE Cray World's No 1 Supercomputer Unveiled

The 61st edition of the TOP500 shows the Frontier system to remain the only true exascale machine with an HPL score of 1.194 Exaflop/s.

The Frontier system at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, USA remains the No. 1 system on the TOP500 and is still the only system reported with an HPL performance exceeding one Exaflop/s. Frontier brought the pole position back to the USA one year ago on the June 2022 listing with an HPL score of 1.194 Exaflop/s.

HPE holds a dominant position in the Top 500 Supercomputers list, with an impressive presence of 100 Supercomputers in total out of 500.

Notably, three of HPE's CRAY Supercomputers have secured prestigious positions within the top 10 ranks.

HPE Supercomputers in Saudi Arabia (KSA)

1 HPE has been selected to construct Shaheen III, an HPE Cray Supercomputer, for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

Shaheen III is expected to deliver performance gains that are approximately 20 times greater than its predecessor, Shaheen II.

Shaheen III will be the most powerful supercomputer in the Middle East and will be fully operational in 2023/2024

Conclusion

The HPE Cray Supercomputer represents a pivotal moment in the history of high-performance computing. Its record-breaking performance, revolutionary architecture, and energy-efficient design are propelling scientific research to new heights, driving innovation, and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today.

About the Author:

Muhammad Bilal, an esteemed Technical Consultant (Expert Level) at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, dedicated to providing exceptional technical consultation and support to HPE's valued strategic customers. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Muhammad specializes in a wide array of HPE products, including High-Performance Computing, Mission Critical Systems & Storages, HPE NonStop Systems, Disaster Recovery and Backup Solutions, Cloud/Virtualization, and Composable infrastructure. His expertise and commitment ensure that HPE's customers receive top-notch solutions tailored to their unique needs.