Alexander is available for hire

Alexander Nikolava

Verified Expert in Engineering

Oracle Database Developer

Madrid, Spain

Toptal member since July 30, 2018

Expertise

Oracle Development Data Migration AWS RDS SQL

Bio

Alexander is a seasoned Oracle developer and administrator with a great deal of hands-on experience and certifications—Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (11g/12c) and Oracle Database SQL Certified Expert. For the past eight years, he's been implementing his skills as an Oracle database/SQL administrator, performance tuning expert, and enterprise IT solutions architect in all the fields of database and server administration.

Portfolio

Mash Technology Group

Oracle, Azure, Oracle DBA, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Generative AI...

UCGP Consult LLC

Databases, Server Administration, Oracle, Oracle SQL, Oracle DBA...

DBI LLC

RMAN, Oracle Data Guard, Linux, Bash, PL/SQL, Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS)...

Experience

Oracle PL/SQL - 15 years
Oracle RAC - 15 years
Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) - 15 years
Oracle Exadata - 15 years
Oracle Database - 15 years
SQL - 15 years
Oracle Performance Tuning - 15 years
Linux - 12 years

Preferred Environment

Toad, SQL, Windows, Unix, Linux

The most amazing...

...project I've taken part in was a migration of 600+ Oracle RAC database systems to Exadata servers, including implementing all Exa cutting-edge technologies.

Work Experience

Oracle and Cloud Engineering Team Leader

2018 - PRESENT

Mash Technology Group

Implemented Oracle Autonomous DB@Azure for one of the leading business consulting agencies in the world, optimizing their DB support processing and providing them with a long-awaited PaaS for their Oracle databases at Azure.
Optimized performance of Oracle RAC DBs and servers to decrease license usage. Optimized Oracle licenses for one of the world's largest online trading brokers, saving 30% in licensing costs and removing compliance risks.
Built an AI-based hospitality application for a startup from scratch to the first round of investment.

Technologies: Oracle, Azure, Oracle DBA, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Generative AI, Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), Oracle Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon RDS, MySQL, Google Cloud, Terraform, Data Migration, Google Cloud SQL, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Oracle PaaS

Chief Technology Officer

2018 - PRESENT

UCGP Consult LLC

Implemented Oracle Autonomous DB@Azure for one of the leading business consulting agencies in the world, optimizing their DB support processing and providing them with a long-awaited PaaS for their Oracle databases at Azure.
Optimized performance of Oracle RAC DBs and servers to decrease license usage. Optimized Oracle licenses for one of the world's largest online trading brokers, saving 30% in licensing costs and removing compliance risks.
Led the implementation of Oracle AI-related infrastructure for one of the biggest US loan operators. Reduced the time from a user asking for analytics insight to the time it takes to receive an answer from two weeks to one hour.
Built a team of database administrators and DevOps engineers from scratch to provide the highest level of expertise and consulting services. Grew the team from 2 to 20 engineers of different profiles.
Led, managed, and completed over 50 projects as a team leader and technical leader.
Implemented a robust work quality control system for technical engineers and consultants.

Technologies: Databases, Server Administration, Oracle, Oracle SQL, Oracle DBA, Database Administration (DBA), Oracle Rdb, Oracle RMAN, Oracle Backups, Oracle Performance Tuning, Oracle ASM, Oracle Data Guard, Oracle RAC, Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), Oracle RDBMS, Oracle Database Tuning, Oracle Cloud, Database Backups, Oracle GoldenGate, Oracle RDS, Oracle Exadata, Data Warehousing, Oracle WebLogic Application Server, Oracle Discoverer, Data Warehouse Design, Linux, PL/SQL, Oracle PL/SQL, Red Hat Linux, Oracle SQL Developer, Oracle Linux, Unix, Database Design, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition 11g (OBIEE), Oracle SQL Data Modeler, Oracle VM VirtualBox, Oracle Fusion Middleware, Oracle Forms & Reports, Oracle Streams, SQL, Bash, Oracle BI Publisher, Python, Oracle Access Manager (OAM), Oracle Reports, Solaris, PL/SQL Tuning, Oracle ERP, Oracle Database, Database Performance, Oracle Multitenant, Oracle Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Oracle DBaaS, Database Modeling, Oracle ZDLRA, Bash Script, Oracle Identity Management, Oracle Application Express (APEX), Unix Shell Scripting, Oracle Spatial, Oracle VM Manager, Ellucian Quercus, Computer Science, Information Security, DevOps, Database Migration, Database Architecture, Documentation, Firewalls, Infrastructure, Networks, On-premise, Financial Systems, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon RDS, Google Cloud, Terraform, Data Migration, Google Cloud SQL, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Oracle PaaS

Training Team Instructor

2011 - 2018

DBI LLC

Taught and managed over 20 groups of junior database administrators (DBA) from the beginning of the training course till the post-completion follow-up period.
Developed a 3-month full-time training course to teach a new person for the junior DBA position. The course included the following topics: Linux/Unix operating system, Bash scripting, Oracle database, and Oracle E-Business Suite.
Performed over 200 technical interviews, including hiring interviews and promotion assessments.
Constructed a framework of practical tasks to develop the technical skills to be performed by the promotion candidates.
Developed a roadmap of technical skills and knowledge to be learned by junior DBAs all over their way to a senior DBA.

Technologies: RMAN, Oracle Data Guard, Linux, Bash, PL/SQL, Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), Oracle Database, Oracle, Oracle SQL, Oracle DBA, Database Administration (DBA), Oracle Backups, Oracle Performance Tuning, Oracle ASM, Oracle RAC, Oracle RDBMS, Oracle Database Tuning, Oracle Cloud, Database Backups, Oracle GoldenGate, Oracle RDS, Oracle Exadata, Data Warehousing, Oracle WebLogic Application Server, Oracle Discoverer, Data Warehouse Design, Oracle PL/SQL, Red Hat Linux, Oracle SQL Developer, Oracle Linux, Unix, Database Design, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition 11g (OBIEE), Oracle SQL Data Modeler, Oracle VM VirtualBox, Oracle Fusion Middleware, Oracle Forms & Reports, Oracle Streams, SQL, Oracle BI Publisher, Oracle Access Manager (OAM), Solaris, PL/SQL Tuning, Oracle ERP, Database Performance, Oracle Multitenant, Oracle Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Oracle DBaaS, Database Modeling, Oracle ZDLRA, Bash Script, Oracle Identity Management, Oracle Application Express (APEX), Unix Shell Scripting, Oracle Spatial, Oracle VM Manager, Computer Science, Information Security, DevOps, Server Administration, Oracle Rdb, Database Migration, Databases, Database Architecture, Documentation, Firewalls, Infrastructure, Networks, On-premise, Financial Systems, Oracle PaaS

Lead Oracle DBA

2011 - 2018

Data Intensity

Supported Oracle databases (9i, 10g, 11g, 12c on both Linux/Unix and Windows), grid infrastructures (ASM, Data Guard, RAC), and OEM (including Cloud Control).
Led and personally performed various projects, including Oracle database and middleware installation, configuration, upgrade, patching, migration, and performance tuning.
Implemented a disaster recovery strategy for an enterprise from scratch, including backups, standby databases, replication between data centers, and Zero Data Loss Recovery Appliance implementations.
Automated a database clone procedure between different servers.
Automated and implemented multiple routine DBA tasks.
Wrote a number of scripts with Bash, SQL, PL/SQL, and RMAN scripts.
Developed numerous reports for BI Publisher and OEM Information Publisher as well as custom OEM metrics using SQL and PL/SQL.

Technologies: Business Intelligence (BI), Oracle Access Manager (OAM), WebLogic, Oracle Cloud, Data Recovery, Oracle Exadata, RMAN, Oracle Enterprise Manager (EM), Oracle Data Guard, Oracle ASM, PL/SQL, SQL, Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), Oracle Database, Oracle, Oracle SQL, Oracle DBA, Database Administration (DBA), Oracle RMAN, Oracle Backups, Oracle Performance Tuning, Oracle RAC, Oracle Database Tuning, Database Backups, Oracle GoldenGate, Oracle RDS, Data Warehousing, Oracle WebLogic Application Server, Oracle Discoverer, Data Warehouse Design, Linux, Oracle PL/SQL, Red Hat Linux, Oracle SQL Developer, Oracle Linux, Unix, Database Design, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition 11g (OBIEE), Oracle SQL Data Modeler, Oracle VM VirtualBox, Oracle Fusion Middleware, Oracle Forms & Reports, Oracle Streams, Bash, Oracle BI Publisher, Oracle Reports, Solaris, PL/SQL Tuning, Oracle ERP, Database Performance, Oracle Multitenant, Oracle Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Oracle DBaaS, Database Modeling, Oracle ZDLRA, Bash Script, Oracle Identity Management, Oracle Application Express (APEX), Unix Shell Scripting, Oracle Spatial, Oracle VM Manager, Computer Science, Information Security, DevOps, Server Administration, Oracle Rdb, Database Migration, Databases, Database Architecture, Documentation, Firewalls, Infrastructure, Networks, On-premise, Financial Systems, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon RDS, Oracle PaaS

Experience

Oracle Database and E-Business Suite Migration From Physical Servers to VMs

I performed an Oracle Database and E-Business Suite migration from physical servers to VMs for a leading manufacturer of components for telecommunications in the US. This included a backup configuration using Oracle RMAN, performance troubleshooting, a migration of Oracle Discoverer, and Oracle DB and EBS application patching.

Oracle Database Migration | Upgrade from 11g to 12c | Implementing Multitenant, In-memory Database

I installed, configured, migrated, and upgraded an Oracle Database data warehouse from 11g to 12c for a big US-based SaaS provider for the food market. I also implemented a multitenant database and in-memory database options, plus the backup strategy implementation and disaster recovery testing. I also provided ongoing support, performance tuning, and database patching. I also developed scripts in Bash, SQL, and PL/SQL.

Migration of Oracle RAC Databases to Exadata Servers

I migrated 600+ Oracle RAC databases to Exadata servers for a leading cross-national biotechnology company. This included the installation, configuration, performance tuning, and ongoing support. I installed and configured the Oracle grid infrastructure and implemented the backup configuration using Oracle RMAN.

Oracle DB Performance Optimization and License Audit

I optimized the performance of Oracle RAC DBs and servers to decrease license usage. I also optimized Oracle licenses for one of the world's largest online trading brokers, saving 30% in licensing costs and removing compliance risks.

Oracle Cloud DB and AI Services Implementation

I led the implementation of Oracle DB in OCI and AI-related infrastructure for one of the biggest US loan operators. This reduced the time from a user asking for analytics insight to the answer received from two weeks to one hour.

Oracle Autonomous Database@Azure Implementation

I implemented Oracle Autonomous Database@Azure for one of the world's leading business consulting agencies, optimizing their DB support processing and providing them with a long-awaited PaaS for their Oracle databases at Azure.

Education

2018 - 2020

Master's Degree in Computer Science

Technological Institute - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2007 - 2013

Engineer's Degree in Computer Science

Technological Institute - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2007 - 2011

Bachelor's Degree in Information Security

Technological Institute - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Certifications

OCTOBER 2018 - PRESENT

Oracle Exadata Database Machine and Cloud Service 2017 Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle

JULY 2018 - PRESENT

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2018 Certified Architect Associate

Oracle University

JUNE 2018 - PRESENT

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle University

JUNE 2018 - PRESENT

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle University

MAY 2017 - PRESENT

Oracle Database SQL Certified Expert

Oracle University

Skills

Tools

Toad, RMAN, Oracle Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Oracle RAC, Oracle ERP, Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS), Oracle Exadata, Oracle DBaaS, Oracle GoldenGate, Oracle ZDLRA, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Generative AI, Oracle VM Manager, Oracle Access Manager (OAM), Oracle BI Publisher, Oracle Reports, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition 11g (OBIEE), Oracle SQL Data Modeler, Oracle Application Express (APEX), Terraform

Languages

SQL, Bash, Bash Script, Python

Paradigms

Database Design, DevOps, Business Intelligence (BI)

Platforms

Oracle Identity Management, Oracle Database, Oracle, Oracle Enterprise Manager (EM), Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle Autonomous Data Warehouse, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Windows, Solaris, Linux, Red Hat Linux, Unix, Oracle Linux, Azure

Storage

PL/SQL, Oracle PL/SQL, Oracle SQL Developer, Oracle RDBMS, Oracle Database Tuning, Oracle SQL, Oracle Cloud, Oracle DBA, Oracle Multitenant, Oracle RDS, Databases, Database Backups, Database Modeling, Database Performance, Database Administration (DBA), Oracle Rdb, Database Migration, Database Architecture, On-premise, MySQL, Google Cloud, Google Cloud SQL

Other

Data Recovery, WebLogic, Ellucian Quercus, Oracle PaaS, Unix Shell Scripting, Oracle Spatial, Oracle WebLogic Application Server, Oracle Discoverer, Oracle RMAN, Oracle Backups, Oracle Performance Tuning, Oracle ASM, Oracle Data Guard, PL/SQL Tuning, Computer Science, Server Administration, Documentation, Infrastructure, Amazon RDS, Data Migration, Oracle Fusion Middleware, Oracle Forms & Reports, Oracle Streams, Data Warehousing, Data Warehouse Design, Information Security, Firewalls, Networks, Financial Systems, Oracle VM VirtualBox, Large Language Models (LLMs), AIOps, Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

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