Portfolio

• Consultant Name: Sousouni Bajis | LinkedIn
• Project Title: 1.5TB SharePoint Migration and Power Platform Development at Southwest Research Institute
• Role: Remote SharePoint. Power Platform, MS Teams Admin and Developer, M365 Tech Lead
• Duration: 29 months (130 weeks)

Executive Summary

At Southwest Research Institute, I assumed a pivotal role as the SharePoint Admin and Microsoft 365 Tech Lead, taking charge of both migration and ongoing support. Spanning over three years, this was not just another project but a mission to restructure the organization's tech stack for the better. My first big win was spearheading a 1.5TB SharePoint migration project. This wasn't a mere 'lift and shift'; it was a strategic transition from multiple outdated platforms to SharePoint Online in the Microsoft 365 GCC High Cloud. As the cornerstone of this mission, I served as the troubleshooter, planner, and executor, all rolled into one. Post-migration, I didn't rest on my laurels; I actively sought feedback to make iterative improvements. In a bid to bring everyone on the same page, I also became the go-to person for SharePoint and Microsoft 365 needs across different organizational divisions.

Project Description

My toolkit for this gig was a geek's paradise. SharePoint 2010, 2019, and SharePoint Online were the main platforms, but I also got hands-on with Microsoft 365, Power Apps, Power Automate, and MS Teams. The first step involved rigorous planning. I collaborated closely with key stakeholders to create a roadmap for the migration, which included complex IIS configurations and disaster recovery plans. The second stage was execution, where I implemented each move carefully to minimize data loss and downtime. After the migration, I took on the additional responsibilities of providing specialized support and training sessions. Training was particularly rewarding. Using hands-on exercises and real-world examples, I empowered staff and clients to become proficient on the new platforms. As a leader, my role was dynamic, requiring me to wear many hats—from being a hands-on coder to an empathetic trainer.

Task/Challenge

Migrating 1.5TB of data to SharePoint Online was like tackling a multi-headed dragon. It wasn't just a technical problem but a massive organizational challenge. The scale and variety of the data required deep dives into the archives to understand the types of content being stored. An additional layer of complexity was added by the need to involve multiple divisions, each with their unique data structures and compliance requirements. On the technical side, there were complex IIS configurations that had to be delicately managed. Another intricate part was laying down a disaster recovery plan, balancing business continuity needs with stringent data security requirements.

Solution

My approach was a mix of grit, meticulous planning, and technical prowess. Early on, I realized the importance of cross-divisional collaboration and roped in key players from each department. This was crucial for defining the specifications for the migration project. To ensure zero data loss, I employed state-of-the-art migration tools and leveraged SharePoint Framework (SPFx), HTML5, JavaScript, TypeScript, jQuery, CSS, and SQL. I also set up a robust monitoring system to track the progress in real-time. Post-migration, my focus shifted to staff training and customer support. This involved creating extensive documentation and conducting webinars, thereby ensuring a smooth transition and seamless adoption of the new system. I didn't just finish the project; I left a lasting impact, transforming the way the organization handled data and collaboration.

Tools Used

SharePoint 2010, SharePoint 2019, SharePoint Online, Microsoft 365, Power Apps, Power Automate, MS Teams, SPFx, HTML5, JavaScript, TypeScript, jQuery, CSS, SQL

Skills Tag

Migration Management, SharePoint Administration, Microsoft 365 Management, Power Apps Development, Power Automate Workflows, MS Teams Deployment, IIS Configurations, Disaster Recovery Planning, Staff Training, Customer Support

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