Hi, my name is

Ayhan Polat.

I transform IT infrastructures.

I'm a Senior IT Consultant @ ElbiNet dedicated to empowering Small and Mid-Size Businesses (SMBs) through smarter technology. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in cost-effective IT infrastructure that drives real business value.

Check out my experience!

01. About Me

Hello! I'm Ayhan, a Senior IT Consultant @ ElbiNet dedicated to empowering Small and Mid-Size Businesses (SMBs) through smarter technology.

With over 15 years of experience, I understand that growing companies need scalable solutions. As the founder of ElbiNet, I specialize in cost-effective IT infrastructure that drives real business value.

🚀 Driving Value for SMBs: I bring a practical, hands-on approach—managing everything from single-server setups to complex cloud migrations for 200+ user environments.

🛠 Core Expertise: Microsoft 365 • Network Security & Firewalls • Cloud Migrations • Disaster Recovery • System Administration

📍 Austin, TX | 🇺🇸 Authorized to work in the US

🤝 Flexible Engagement: Open to both W2 full-time roles and Contract (C2C) opportunities.

02. Skills

Hardware & Troubleshooting

Hardware Configuration
Hardware Troubleshooting
System Configuration
System/Network Configuration
Troubleshooting

Operating Systems & Software

Linux
Mac Support
Operating Systems
Systems Administration

Networking & Infrastructure

Cloud Networking
DHCP
Domain Name System (DNS)
Network Management
Network Troubleshooting
Networking
Routing And Switching
Software Defined Networking
Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)

Cloud & Virtualization

Cloud Computing
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Virtualization

Security & Compliance

Access Control
Cryptography
Cyber Forensics
Cybersecurity
Data Security
Firewall Configuration
Information Security Management
Malware Identification
Mobile Device Security
Network Security
Security Awareness
Security Configuration
Security Management
Security Policies
Threat Detection
Threat Management
Vulnerability Management

Backup & Disaster Recovery

Backup And Recovery
BCDR
Disaster Recovery Planning

Service Desk & Support

Help Desk
IT Support
Technical Support

Mobile & Device Support

Mobile Device Support
Mobile Device Security

03. Certificates

03. Education & Experience

Computer Sciences @ Kahramanmaras University

Kahramanmaras, Turkiye2008

Senior IT Consultant | Network & Systems Engineer @ ElbiNet

Austin, TXApril 2025 - Present

  • Lead strategic IT consulting engagements for mid-size businesses, delivering cloud migrations (Microsoft 365, AWS, Azure), infrastructure optimization, and cost reduction initiatives achieving 20-40% savings.
  • Architect and implement comprehensive cybersecurity solutions including endpoint protection, network security, encryption, and compliance frameworks (HIPAA, PCI-DSS), reducing security incidents by 70%.
  • Design and deploy modern network infrastructure using Software Defined Networking (SDN), SD-WAN, and Wi-Fi 6 technologies, enabling secure hybrid work environments and improving network performance by 40%.
  • Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform and Ansible, automate cloud provisioning, and manage Linux/Windows server environments, reducing deployment time by 50% and configuration errors by 80%.
  • Develop disaster recovery and business continuity strategies, implement backup solutions (Veeam, Acronis), and conduct cyber forensics investigations, ensuring 99.9% uptime and rapid incident response.
  • Provide fractional CTO services including IT strategy, vendor management, and technology roadmaps, helping businesses optimize IT investments and scale operations efficiently.

Service Coordinator @ Agora Refreshments

Austin, TXFebruary 2025 - Present

  • Established and manage service department operations for new branch, overseeing equipment installations, troubleshooting, and repairs for coffee brewers and micro-market kiosks.
  • Optimize service routes and inventory management, coordinate field service operations, and ensure minimal equipment downtime through proactive maintenance scheduling.
  • Develop streamlined processes and documentation, manage customer communications, and maintain strong relationships through responsive technical support and problem resolution.

Field Service Specialist @ Compass Group (Canteen)

Austin, TXNovember 2023 - February 2025

  • Lead installation and maintenance of vending systems including coffee machines, micro markets, kiosk computers, and Wi-Fi infrastructure deployments, ensuring 99% uptime through proactive maintenance.
  • Optimize service routes and inventory management, resulting in 30% reduction in response time and improved customer satisfaction.
  • Implement preventative maintenance procedures and safety protocols, extending equipment lifespan and maintaining compliance standards.
  • Provide technical support both remotely and on-site, maintaining high first-call resolution rate.

IT Administrator @ Ceren Ithalat ve Dagitim A.S.

Istanbul, TurkiyeJanuary 2015 - November 2023

  • Managed enterprise IT infrastructure for 200+ users, orchestrating cloud migrations to AWS and Azure that reduced costs by 30% and improved system scalability and availability.
  • Architected and maintained critical infrastructure including Active Directory, Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V), and Linux servers (Ubuntu, CentOS), ensuring 99.9% uptime.
  • Designed and deployed secure network infrastructure with SD-WAN, VLAN segmentation, site-to-site VPNs, firewall configuration, and wireless solutions, improving network performance and security posture.
  • Implemented comprehensive security framework including endpoint protection, encryption, PKI infrastructure, cyber forensics capabilities, and automated patch management, reducing security incidents by 30%.
  • Led disaster recovery planning and execution, implemented backup solutions and failover systems, reducing recovery time by 25% and ensuring business continuity.
  • Managed enterprise service desk operations handling 1000+ monthly tickets with 95% SLA compliance, while providing cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, and macOS environments.
  • Automated infrastructure deployment using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform and Ansible, streamlined mobile device management, and optimized IT processes reducing operational overhead by 40%.

Computer Teacher @ Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR)

Istanbul, TurkiyeJune 2013 - January 2015

  • Developed and delivered comprehensive IT training programs, achieving 90% student satisfaction rate.
  • Created innovative teaching methods combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
  • Maintained detailed progress reports and adapted teaching methods to individual learning styles.

Startup Founder @ Elbistan Bilisim

Istanbul, TurkiyeOctober 2009 - June 2013

  • Founded and managed IT services company delivering infrastructure solutions including networks, servers, and security systems for local businesses and educational institutions.
  • Developed automation scripts and protocols improving operational efficiency by 35%, maintained 95% client retention through excellent service delivery and technical support.

IT Specialist @ SEAS Organization LTD

Istanbul, TurkiyeJanuary 2008 - October 2009

  • Managed critical IT infrastructure including servers, networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP), and security systems, maintaining 99.9% uptime for high-availability services.
  • Developed IT policies, provided technical leadership, and mentored junior team members, improving overall system security and operational efficiency.

04. Some Things I've Built

Network Upgrade with SDN

Led a company-wide network overhaul using Software Defined Networking (SDN) to boost performance and security. Designed and deployed a new topology with centralized control, resulting in a 40% speed increase and significantly fewer vulnerabilities.

Cloud Migration with Infrastructure as Code

Orchestrated a full cloud migration to AWS and Azure using Terraform and Ansible. Automated infrastructure provisioning, moved Linux workloads to the cloud, and implemented robust data encryption, achieving a 30% cost reduction and 60% faster deployment.

Automated Patch Management

Implemented an automated patch management system using Microsoft SCCM. This reduced system vulnerabilities by 75% and saved approximately 20 hours of manual work per week by automating the patching process.

Cybersecurity Enhancement with Cryptography & Forensics

Rolled out a multi-faceted cybersecurity initiative, including a next-gen firewall, IDS/IPS, and advanced endpoint protection. Deployed cryptographic solutions and established digital forensics capabilities, cutting security incidents by 70% and improving response times by 50%.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

Developed and implemented a comprehensive disaster recovery plan with off-site data replication and failover systems. This ensured business continuity and minimized disruption in the event of a disaster.

Cross-Platform Mobile Device Management

Deployed a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to secure and manage a fleet of iOS, Android, and macOS devices. Enforced security policies, enabled remote device wiping, and reduced device management time by 50%.

Active Directory Optimization

Redesigned the Active Directory structure to improve performance and security. Used Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for automated software deployment and compliance, resulting in 60% faster login times and simplified user management.

Linux Server Infrastructure & Automation

Built and managed a scalable Linux server environment using Ubuntu and CentOS. Automated server configuration with Ansible, implemented robust security measures, and achieved 99.9% uptime for critical services.

Digital Forensics & Incident Response

Established a digital forensics and incident response framework to handle security breaches. Implemented tools and procedures for evidence collection and analysis, reducing investigation time by 40%.

05. What's Next?

Get In Touch

I'm currently looking for new opportunities in IT administration and support. Whether you have a question or just want to say hi, I'll try my best to get back to you!

Say Hello