
Dragos Marian Barbu
Verified Expert in Engineering
Solutions Architect and Developer
Bucharest, Romania
Toptal member since June 17, 2021
Dragos is a senior cloud solutions architect with 20+ years of experience in software development, infrastructure architecture, IT department management, and cloud solutions architecture. Since 2012, he has focused on building reliable cloud solutions for small-scale startups and large-scale enterprises. Dragos loves challenges that allow him to use his technical background and work directly with clients to deliver successful solutions.
Portfolio
Experience
- .NET - 20 years
- Azure - 14 years
- Microsoft 365 - 9 years
- Cloud Architecture - 8 years
- Microsoft Dataverse - 7 years
- Microsoft Power Apps - 6 years
- Microsoft Power Automate - 5 years
Preferred Environment
Azure, .NET, Application Architecture, Solution Architecture, Microsoft 365, Cloud Architecture, API Integration, Microsoft Power Apps, Microsoft Power Automate, SharePoint 365
The most amazing...
...app I've developed is for managing coffee vending machines. The app is hosted in Azure and used by 32 customers on a daily basis.
Work Experience
Senior Cloud Solutions Architect
Softis Serv
- Architected solutions to meet complex and enterprise-scale business and IT needs, ensuring the technical viability of new projects and successful deployments while orchestrating key resources and infusing key data and AI technologies.
- Managed Office/Microsoft 365 mailbox migrations, implemented and configured Microsoft Teams, set up collaborative solutions using Microsoft 365 SharePoint, and implemented a document approval workflow using Microsoft 365 Power Automate.
- Participated in deep architectural discussions to build confidence and ensure customer success when building new and migrating existing applications, software, and services on the Azure platform.
- Architected and implemented Microsoft Azure infrastructure solutions using the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF). The services used include Azure App Service, Azure SQL, Azure Virtual Machines, and Azure Virtual Networks.
- Conducted deep-dive, hands-on training sessions for customers considering or already using Azure.
Managing Partner | IT Consultant | Software Architect | Senior Programmer
Softis Serv
- Developed web-based applications, including a mini-CRM for a real estate agency, recruiting project management, medical office management, telecom rate comparison, and financial management for a telecom company.
- Architected and developed an algorithm for word matching based on dictionaries that detected the correct words in sentences with 86% accuracy.
- Oversaw the management of IT departments for several companies in domains such as medical services, human resources, luxury restaurants, and FMCG.
Lead Developer
Automotive Aftermarket Services LLC
- Developed a web-based app that helps manage automotive aftermarket accessories sales and user management.
- Designed the entire application architecture, including the database structure, back end, and interface design.
- Analyzed the business needs together with the client to understand what functionalities are needed in the application, how to structure the database, and how to organize the application interface to be as easy to use as possible.
Cloud Solutions Architect
Softis Serv
- Configured and monitored cloud services in Microsoft Azure, including Web App, SQL Database, Functions, and Virtual Machines.
- Managed cloud service offerings, including a business and technical plan. Collaborated with partners on RFPs to create the cloud strategy.
- Reviewed the architecture of client systems to assess quality and status and provide recommendations.
IT Manager
Alexander Hughes Romania
- Developed and implemented the company IT policies, including user types, access rights, applications to be installed, antivirus actions, and the software update policy (centralized updates through WSUS).
- Implemented paperless resume storage and management system, using tablet PCs, PDAs, and central storage on the Windows Server.
- Managed the relocation of the IT department and servers in one week. This included the installation of the network, internet connection, and phone lines.
Project Manager | .NET Programmer
Softis Serv
- Managed and developed projects, including business portals, a real estate management web application, and an IT development project for HR management.
- Used Team Foundation Server (TFS) to manage versions and tasks and build projects.
- Interacted with clients' management and technical teams while performing technical responsibilities.
.NET Programmer
Ciel Romania
- Developed two modules for an online accountancy application for Idylis France.
- Utilized ASP.NET (with VB.NET) and Microsoft SQL Server 2000.
- Participated in the architectural decisions regarding the upgrade from classic ASP to ASP.NET.
Project Manager | Web Developer
Cyber Enterprises
- Assisted in developing a web-based game and the Windows services necessary for long-running tasks during the night.
- Utilized Classic ASP, JavaScript, and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 to develop the game.
- Monitored the proper functioning of Windows services.
Web Development Project Manager
Softech Design Ltd.
- Managed and developed projects for US-based clients using PHP and MySQL, ASP and Microsoft Access, and ASP and Microsoft SQL Server 2000.
- Managed daily communication with clients as the only person with whom they discussed technical problems.
- Led a team of five, including one designer, three web programmers, and one database developer.
Programmer | Tester
Brilliant Business
- Served as a programmer and tester for the Berkshire Community website, which involved Microsoft SQL Server scripting, Classic ASP, and HTML programming and testing.
- Created the database architecture for the project.
- Deployed the web application on the client's servers.
Programmer | Analyst | Webmaster
Logimax
- Developed banking software localization for Globus by Temenos.
- Designed and developed the website section for the banking software, using HTML on the client side and Classic ASP (VBScript) for the server side.
- Designed and developed databases using Microsoft Access and Visual FoxPro.
- Developed a demo of the company website for stakeholders.
Experience
SFA Web-based App
Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure
Sales Process Management Application
The cloud services were chosen based on the client's request and preference. Blazor was selected because it provides rich UI components to help build responsive and attractive user interfaces. These built-in security features help protect the application from common web application vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS) and cross-site request forgery (CSRF) and the possibility to share code between the server and the client.
Microsoft 365 Migration Planning and Tenant Consolidation
The work also included mentoring the internal team, implementing necessary reconfigurations, and consolidating multiple Microsoft 365 tenants.
The tasks centered on optimizing the system by leveraging expertise in Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and Azure to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.
Automated Workflow Solutions for Streamlined SharePoint File Management and Reporting
Key objectives include:
• File management automation: Automate file categorization, metadata management, and archival tasks in SharePoint to improve document handling and organization.
• Task progression and notifications: Create workflows that trigger automatic notifications and task updates based on changes in SharePoint folders, ensuring stakeholders are informed and follow-up actions are taken promptly.
• Report generation automation: Automate the collection and processing of field data to generate and deliver formatted reports, reducing manual effort and ensuring timely data delivery.
• Client collaboration for further automation: Work closely with the client to identify additional automation opportunities across various business processes, enhancing overall workflow efficiency.
The project will deliver improved document management, faster task completion, and streamlined reporting, all while reducing operational overhead and human error.
Human Services Case Management Platform – Power Platform and Azure
Key objectives include:
• Case management modernization: Enhance a Power Apps Canvas application to improve UX, workflow efficiency, and operational consistency.
• Hybrid data architecture: Use Dataverse as the core data layer with integration to MS SQL Server (on-premises, later migrated to Azure SQL) for dynamic reference data and lookup scenarios.
• Document automation: Enable PDF file generation via OneDrive, with outputs stored in SharePoint Online for secure access and retention.
• ALM and deployment: Implement Azure DevOps-based lifecycle management with Dev, Test, and Production environments supporting controlled CI/CD releases.
• Secure integration: Use Microsoft security models to enable secure external client access and controlled data exposure.
• Stakeholder collaboration: Work with client teams and incorporate feedback from 70+ active users to refine functionality and usability.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in International Commerce and Finance-Banking Relations
Romanian-American University - Bucharest, Romania
Certifications
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
Microsoft
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Azure Blob Storage API, Entity Framework, REST APIs, Azure API Management, API Development, Custom APIs, MudBlazor, jQuery, jQuery UI, Azure Cognitive Services, Web API, JSONP, Web API 2, PowerPoint API
Tools
Visual Studio, Azure App Service, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Exchange, Azure Logic Apps, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Apps, Postman, Claude Code, Claude, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Application Insights, Terraform, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, Microsoft Power BI, Dapper, Microsoft Power Pages, Azure Machine Learning, Dynamics 365 Business Central
Languages
HTML5, CSS, C#, JavaScript, SQL, HTML, Active Server Pages (ASP), C#.NET, GraphQL, VB.NET, TypeScript, PHP, VB, HTML4, JavaScript 6, CSS3, CSS4, XML
Frameworks
.NET, .NET Core, ASP.NET, Bootstrap, ASP.NET MVC, ASP.NET Web API, ASP.NET Core, ASP.NET Core MVC, Entity Framework Core, Json.NET, Blazor, ASP.NET Web Forms, Razor Pages, .NET 8, .NET 4, Swagger, Windows PowerShell, Tailwind CSS, Azure Bot Framework, .NET 6
Paradigms
Web Architecture, Azure DevOps, Application Architecture, Web Application Architecture, ETL, REST, Microservices, B2B, DevOps, Automation, Agile, Business Intelligence (BI), Enterprise Application Architecture, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), ETL Implementation & Design, Database Design, Back-end Architecture
Platforms
Azure, Azure PaaS, Windows Server, Windows, Microsoft Power Platform, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Azure Functions, Docker, Kubernetes, Telerik, SharePoint, Microsoft Power Automate, Azure Synapse, Microsoft Azure Mobile Services, Power Automate Cloud Flow, SharePoint 365
Storage
Azure SQL, Microsoft Exchange Server, Azure Websites, Azure SQL Databases, Azure Active Directory, Azure Blobs, Azure Cloud Services, JSON, Azure Queue Storage, IIS SQL Server, SQL Server 2012, SQL Server 2016, Microsoft SQL Server, Azure Cosmos DB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Database Architecture, Database Administration (DBA), Relational Databases, Data Lakes
Other
Software Architecture, Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Blob Storage, Architecture, Cloud, Cloud Architecture, Front-end, Web UI, Cloud Services, API Integration, App Support, ETL Tools, APIs, Back-office System Development, Technical Leadership, Web Development, Office 365, Email, System Administration, System Architecture, Consulting, SaaS, Leadership, Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Excel 365, JSON REST APIs, Full-stack Development, Cloud Engineering, Microsoft 365, Software Development, Workflow Automation & System Integration, Web App Development, Fractional CTO, DNS, GoDaddy, Microsoft Dataverse, API Design, System Integration, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), UiPath, Vibe Coding, Dashboards, Workflow Automation, SharePoint Online, .NET 10, Multi-tenant SaaS, Azure Administrator, Data Migration, Azure WebJobs, Azure Virtual Networks, Azure Migrate, Azure Virtual Desktop, Azure VPN, Containerization, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Solution Architecture, User Interface (UI), Full-stack, Software Design, Scalable Architecture, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Multitenancy, CTO, Integration, Azure AI Custom Vision, Machine Learning, CI/CD Pipelines, Marketplaces, Cash Flow, Data Visualization, Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory (ADF), IT Project Management, Custom Solutions, Azure Databricks, Blob Storage, Enterprise Architecture, Enterprise Application Design, IT Infrastructure, App Infrastructure, Server Infrastructure, Enterprise Systems, System Implementation, Software Implementation, Web Applications, Database Schema Design, Relational Database Design, API Applications, Cloud Infrastructure, Infrastructure Monitoring, Solution Design, CSV Export, CSV Import, CSV File Processing, Bootstrap UI, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Azure Cloud Server, Content Management Systems (CMS), Sales System, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Large-scale Projects, Large-scale Computing, Back-end, Scalability, Back-end Performance, Back-end Development, Large-scale Production Deployments, eCommerce, Web Scalability, Back-end Admin Systems, eCommerce UI, eCommerce APIs, Startups, Dynamics CRM 365, AI Chatbots, OpenAI, Azure Bicep, Microsoft OneDrive, File Management, SharePoint integration, Data Engineering
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