Portfolio
From First Earnings to Strategic Innovations
A Product Manager's Odyssey
Product Manager
Cisco
Feb 2019 - Present
Catalyst SD-WAN Controllers
2022-Present
Product Description:
SD-WAN controller components facilitate network management and orchestration for NetOps and SecOps engineers in a simple and intuitive manner. These components include the network management software (vManage or Manager), the authenticator and trust establishment software (vBond or Validator), and the traffic engineering software (vSmart or Controller).
Role:
Senior Product Manager for Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Controller Components (vManage, vBond, vSmart). Overseeing feature prioritization, technical development, marketing, documentation, and positioning.
Key Features:
- Application Catalog: Management of network application traffic and classification
- API, SDK, and developer ecosystem
- Subscription license management
- Infrastructure enhancements: Scaling, Upgrades, Disaster Recovery, High Availability, Telemetry, etc.
- Integration with both 1st party and 3rd party systems: Meraki, Cisco IoT Cloud, Cisco IT, Live Action, WalkMe
Outcome:
SD-WAN Software generates $500M in ARR within Cisco’s Routing business. The controller components, which are key elements of this solution, offer features and capabilities extensively utilized by over 10,000 customers and partners.
Catalyst SD-WAN Cloud Services
2021-2022
Service Description:
A cloud-hosted service for Catalyst SD-WAN Controller Components allows enterprise and service provider customers to run SD-WAN controller software on Cisco’s cloud, reducing operational costs. This solution also offers scalable architecture to easily adapt to growing business needs.
Role:
Senior Product Manager for Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Controller Components Cloud Services, responsible for product development, setting pricing strategies, go-to-market execution, and enabling end-to-end service operations.
Key Features:
- Complimentary Cloud-Hosted SD-WAN Controller Components: Distinguish Cisco’s SD-WAN from competitors and provide additional value to customers with free cloud-hosted controller components.
- Scalable Network and Controllers: Easily scale up the network and controllers to adjust the product’s capabilities as your business grows.
- Premium Additional Services: Offer extra controllers as monetized additional services to support redundancy and enhance the disaster recovery solution.
- 24/7 Cloud Operation Support: Ensure reliability with round-the-clock cloud operation support, backed by a 99.99% Service Level Agreement.
Outcome:
- Successfully halted the rising costs of our cloud-hosted service by differentiating between complimentary and premium services. This strategic separation led to a reduction in business costs by 25% ($6M) annually.
- Introduced a new revenue stream for the Cisco SD-WAN business through the addition of a service, generating $1M ARR within the first year of its launch.
Catalyst SD-WAN Portal (SaaS)
2019-2022
Product Description:
A SaaS-based tool for Catalyst SD-WAN’s cloud-hosted controller components offers comprehensive lifecycle management of controller software. It provides a suite of automated capabilities, from provisioning and monitoring to deprovisioning. This tool empowers CloudOps engineers to efficiently manage hosted SD-WAN controllers while adhering to the company’s security and privacy policies.”
Role:
Product Manager for the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Portal (A.K.A SSP), tasked with overseeing the product from its initial ideation and design through to its launch. Responsibilities included developing the product strategy, crafting the roadmap.
Key Features:
- SD-WAN Controller Lifecycle Management: Includes provisioning, horizontal and vertical scaling, upgrading, and deprovisioning.
- Cloud-Hosted Infrastructure Monitoring: SD-WAN controller components software monitoring for hosted environments.
- Change and Maintenance Management: Streamlined processes for managing updates and maintenance.
- Cloud Service Catalog: A comprehensive listing of networking cloud services offered by Cisco (SD-AVC, Analytics, …).
Outcome:
The Catalyst SD-WAN Portal has increased the adoption of cloud-hosted SD-WAN solutions among service providers by 30%. Previously, the absence of a robust orchestration and monitoring tool represented a significant gap in both the solution and its operational model for these customers.
Network And Security Engineer
A10 Networks, Barracuda Networks, Informatic Services Corp.
May 2013 - Feb 2019
DDoS Protection, Web Application Firewall, Load Balancer
2017-2019
Company And Products Descriptions:
A10 Networks provides a comprehensive suite of networking and security solutions, with its flagship product lines including DDoS Protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and Load Balancing solutions. These offerings are available in both hardware appliance form and as virtual images, catering to a wide range of deployment scenarios from on-premise environments to public clouds.
Role:
As a Senior Network Engineer in customer support, my career has taken me through several roles. I started off as a TAC Support Engineer, then advanced to an Escalation Engineer role, where I mastered the art of tackling complex technical problems and excelled in setting up labs to accurately replicate product issues. And eventually got involved in pre-sales with customers. In this phase, I focused on advising and crafting network solutions for deploying A10 Network products effectively.
Highlights:
- I pinpointed several critical technical problems within the load balancer that were impacting customer operations negatively. I recommended design modifications to the product management and engineering teams, which led to improvements that simplified usage for our clients.
- I played a key role in supporting major accounts, including the implementation and design of Microsoft Azure’s DDoS protection, working with X (formerly known as Twitter), and Morgan Stanley. I became the primary point of contact (POC) for these high-profile clients, addressing their technical concerns.
- I mentored newly hired network engineers and positively impacted our customer response times by introducing a new case queue model, enhancing our support efficiency.
Outcome:
- Achieved a 10% reduction in TAC case closure times by implementing a new process, streamlining support operations and improving efficiency.
- Developed a deep understanding of large enterprise environments through direct engagement, tailoring solutions to meet their specific needs and challenges.
- Gained proficiency in Linux and acquired experience in cloud networking, enhancing my technical skill set.
Load Balancer, Link Balancer, Web Application Firewall
2017-2017
Company And Products Descriptions:
Barracuda Networks provides an extensive range of networking, security, and storage solutions designed to empower digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises. Its offerings, including load balancers, link balancers, and Web Application Firewalls (WAF), form a comprehensive suite of networking and security tools.
Role:
I relaunched my career as a network engineer in the US by taking on a technical support role at Barracuda Networks. Although my tenure at the company was brief, my contributions significantly restored customer trust in products that had previously suffered from inadequate support.
Highlights:
- I established a dedicated lab for the Link Balancer product, filling a crucial gap by providing support members with essential resources for troubleshooting and learning that were previously unavailable.
- I maintained a high feedback score across all support cases, receiving zero negative feedback from customers.
- I was promoted to Senior Technical Support within just three months.
Outcome:
- Gained a thorough understanding of network engineering concepts in the US, alongside developing skills in engaging effectively with small and medium-sized business customers.
- Enhanced the efficiency of product support by providing tools such as dedicated labs for team members, significantly improving troubleshooting capabilities and team knowledge.
Networking Operation Services
2013-2016
Company And Products Descriptions:
Informatic Services Corporation (ISC) specializes in delivering comprehensive networking and security services tailored for large banks and other financial institutions. They provide a robust suite of networking services and applications designed to reinforce the backbone of their clients’ operations, ensuring excellence and reliability in support of their critical business functions.
Role:
I became part of the ISC Site Reliability Team as a Network Operations Engineer, where I delivered a broad spectrum of services. My role encompassed supporting Level 1 TAC engineers, assisting field engineers, managing the company’s data center sites, developing and monitoring services, and handling incident management.
Highlights:
- I led the redesign of our site layout and equipment racks, significantly improving accessibility and simplifying the installation process. This initiative reduced network incidents due to human error, specifically from cable misplacement or accessibility issues, by 10% monthly.
- I successfully implemented a new monitoring system (SolarWinds) for our network devices, enhancing our capability to efficiently monitor services.
- I led our team’s effort to carefully follow all ITIL policies and ensure compliance, playing a key role in helping the company earn its ITIL certification.
- I introduced innovative processes for Level 1 TAC and field engineers, streamlining the deployment of new branches to be quicker and more straightforward.
Outcome:
- I deepened my expertise in network engineering by gaining hands-on experience with equipment from multiple vendors, such as Cisco, Juniper, F5, and more.
- I gained knowledge of IT standards, especially ITIL.
- I developed familiarity with data center management and operations.
- I became familiar with banking and managing applications and networks that handle millions of transactions without disruptions.
- Obtained significant knowledge in managing applications and networks designed to handle millions of transactions per minute.
IT Manager
13aban Pharmacy
May 2010 - May 2013
IT Manager
2010-2013
Company And Products Descriptions:
13aban Pharmacy, the largest pharmacy chain in IRAN, has 30 branches across various locations in Tehran. The company plays a vital role in healthcare by supplying essential medicines to patients facing critical health conditions
Role:
My career in IT and networking started with 13aban Pharmacy, where, after two years of working on multiple IT administration and application development projects, I shifted into network management. I led the team of other two engineers in design, implementation, and operation of the company’s first WAN network, connecting 7 branches across the city.
Highlights:
- Drug and Poison Information Call Center Application: Transitioned the call center management from paper-based to an application-driven system, significantly enhancing the center’s efficiency.
- LAN Network Enhancement: Upgraded the branches’ LAN networks with a new design and improved connectivity.
- WAN Network Implementation: Boosted company efficiency by designing and implementing the first WAN network to interconnect branches.
- IT Services for Subsidiary Centers: Delivered comprehensive IT services to 5 subsidiary centers of the company, which were located across 2 buildings.
Outcome:
- WAN Network Implementation Savings: Initiated a 30% reduction in pharmacy inventory management and operation costs through the implementation of the company’s first WAN network. This strategic move significantly enhanced the company’s business and operational efficiency, incorporating centralized inventory management, a central pharmacy management application, and an optimized patient queue management system as key impact factors.
- Call Center Management Cost Reduction: Achieved a 12% decrease in call center management costs by transitioning from paper-based call records to digital forms via a centrally managed Access application, enhancing center efficiency and substantially shortening response times.
- Reduced Subsidiary Operation Costs: Lowered the operational costs of subsidiaries by 5% through an improved LAN network and a comprehensive redesign and equipment refresh in those centers.
Side Hustle Entrepreneurship
Mobile Store
2014
Company And Products Descriptions:
I partnered with an internet cafe in Tehran to open a mobile store within its premises, expanding the cafe’s offerings to include buying, selling, and repairing mobile phones and their accessories. This initiative was grounded in market research aimed at enhancing the internet cafe’s business model. The idea for a mobile booth emerged in response to frequent requests from patrons who wished to use their mobile phones to access various internet services while at the cafe, represented a promising market for new phones, repairs, and accessories.
Role:
Founder and business owner of the mobile store in the internet cafe.
Highlights:
- Successfully served over 100 customers within the first 6 months.
- Saw a 20% rise in the internet cafe’s customer base after introducing the mobile store services.
- Achieved 100% customer satisfaction with the services offered by the mobile store.
- Expanded our team to two members, allowing us to extend our hours of service and enhance support.
Outcome And Closure:
- Generated $10,000 in revenue during the first 6 months of operation.
- The venture faced regulatory issue for the business and had to cease the operation
Novin Sadra LLC.
2012-2013
Company And Service Descriptions:
Novin Sadra was established to tackle the specific challenges faced by pharmacists. The idea took root after spending a significant amount of time within the pharmaceutical industry, where it became clear that there was a noticeable gap. Pharmacists often struggled to access the information they needed to answer customer questions promptly. Our market research indicated a strong demand for a solution to this problem. As a response, we developed a comprehensive resource pack designed for easy use on Android tablets and phones. This initiative aimed to provide pharmacists with quick access to essential information, simplifying their daily tasks and improving customer service
Role:
As the co-founder and CEO of Novin Sadra, I spearheaded both the strategic business direction and the operational aspects of the company. My role encompassed a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from shaping the company’s vision to ensuring the seamless execution of our day-to-day operations.
Highlights:
- Acquired 10 customers within the first 3 months of operation.
- Engaged with over 300 pharmacists, building a projected pipeline of 50 customers in the first year.
- Established a headquarters to offer installation services and customer support.
- Assembled a dedicated team of 4 professionals. (2 co-founders and 2 contractors)
Outcome And Closure:
- In the first 6 months of its operation, Novin Sadra achieved $3,000 in revenue, demonstrating the potential and viability of its product in the market.
- To scale operations and continue growing, the company required an investment of $20,000. Efforts were made to secure this funding, with two potential investors approached for seed funding to support the company’s expansion. Unfortunately, these efforts did not culminate in success.
- Following the inability to attract the necessary investment, Novin Sadra made the difficult decision to cease operations and close its doors
Printer Cartridge Delivery Service
2009
Company And Service Descriptions:
While finishing school and working part-time at a cartridge assembly company, I came up with the idea of starting a new printer cartridge delivery service. I teamed up with a classmate to create a delivery service that would bring cartridges directly to customers at no extra shipping cost. We decided to charge a bit more for the cartridges but made delivery free. Plus, we offered free returns if there were any problems with the product.
Role:
Co-founder and service operator
Highlights:
- Secured three enterprise clients, including a university print shop, a municipal office subsidiary, and a local law enforcement office.
- Established a reliable supplier network to meet customer demands efficiently.
- Investigated the feasibility of locally manufacturing cartridges as an alternative to reselling pre-made products.
- The venture received a partnership offer from an online marketplace, a testament to the effectiveness of our online marketing campaigns.
Outcome And Closure:
- $2000 revenue in about 1 year of operation
- The venture ceased the operation as the both my partner and I shifted our focus to other life priorities.
Freelancing
Pharmacy Store
2013
Service Descriptions:
Through my experience working at a pharmaceutical company with approximately 30 branches, I was offered with the opportunity to establish a modern drugstore within a renowned shopping mall as a contractor by a private company.
Role:
- Design Coordination: Worked with architects and designers to ensure a layout that promotes efficient workflow and customer experience.
- Equipment Procurement: Selected and purchased essential pharmacy equipment, including shelving, refrigeration units, and security systems.
- Compliance Checks: Ensured the facility met all health and safety standards, as well as accessibility requirements.
- Stock Selection: Curated an initial stock list based on demographic needs and healthcare trends, focusing on both prescription medications and over-the-counter products.
- Inventory Systems: Implemented an inventory management system to monitor stock levels, manage reordering processes, and minimize losses due to expiration or overstock.
- Recruitment: Led the hiring process for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff, ensuring all team members met licensing and qualification standards.
- Training Programs: Developed and delivered training sessions on operational procedures, customer service excellence, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Team Management: Established a collaborative work environment to foster a team capable of delivering high-quality healthcare services.
- Soft Launch Strategy: Organized a soft launch to refine operational workflows and gather early customer feedback.
