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
Operating Systems & Software
Networking & Infrastructure
Cloud & Virtualization
Security & Compliance
Backup & Disaster Recovery
Service Desk & Support
Mobile & Device Support
03. Certificates
03. Education & Experience
Computer Sciences @ Kahramanmaras University
Kahramanmaras, Turkiye • 2008
Senior IT Consultant | Network & Systems Engineer @ ElbiNet
Austin, TX • April 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, TX • February 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, TX • November 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, Turkiye • January 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, Turkiye • June 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, Turkiye • October 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, Turkiye • January 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