ZAG’s approach to implementing solutions for a client is based on a long-term IT strategy, which runs counter to a lot of IT companies that provide solutions without considering how these will serve the client in the future. That’s why our Solution Architects play a vital role in overall client strategy.
Part of the strength that ZAG brings to clients is a wealth of expertise from consulting and client strategy to building solutions aimed at providing the best possible outcomes for their business. This includes the work that our Solution Architects do, providing honest and accurate assessments of a client’s IT posture and providing solutions that fit within the scope of what they hope to achieve with their technology investments. Whether they’re looking to move to a cloud environment or upgrade their network infrastructure, solution architects are central to making it happen.
Meet George Zacharia, one of ZAG’s Solution Architects who specialized in network, virtualization, and Microsoft Azure migration planning.
Education and Training
Master of Science, Telecommunications, George Mason University
Bachelor of Science, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Mumbai
Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate
Citrix certifications: Virtualization, Virtual Apps and Desktop Service
When did you get started in the tech industry?
After graduating from George Mason University in Virginia, I interned at Sprint and received an offer of a full-time position as a network planner in 2007. In 2009, I shifted my career towards more virtualization technologies like implementing VMWare solutions.
Why did you decide to join ZAG?
I wanted to relocate to the West Coast and was looking for an opportunity through various job sites. [ZAG CTO] Jim Hunton came across my resume and was interested in my skillset. I liked ZAG’s work culture and the opportunity to learn new technologies for growing my skillsets.
What are the responsibilities you have in your role at ZAG?
Primarily, I serve as an Architect on the engineering team implementing virtualization solutions through Azure, VMware, and Citrix. I also evaluate new solutions and ideas that can provide ZAG clients with a competitive advantage to succeed. More recently, I’ve been involved in helping build cloud migration plans using Microsoft Azure and Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD). In this regard, I help walk clients through the solution, put together a migration plan that encompasses their needs, lead the conversations around deployments and what to expect throughout the process. I’ve also started working with the other members of the engineering team to mentor and lead these kinds of projects so we can better streamline delivery.
What are some of your accomplishments in this role?
Leading cloud adoption and migration projects for clients and more lately, pioneering the deployment of the latest virtualization technology for ZAG clients using Microsoft Azure and WVD.
Share a piece of professional advice that you’ve received that stands out.
It isn’t as much a piece of advice as it is something I’ve learned along the way. I strongly believe that the development of skills happens when you do something new. Do not let fear stop you from exploring the unknown as it might prevent you from growing and progressing.
And for more of the personal questions…
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
I am a bit of an astronomy enthusiast; I like to study constellations and deep space objects and follow the latest research happening in the world of physics.
What is the last good book you read?
I recently read The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win by Gene Kim, George Spafford, and Kevin Behr and I’m currently reading Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Greg McKeown and Liz Wiseman.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Set concrete goals and work towards them. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
