What identity teams should verify before the mandatory Entra Connect Sync upgrade deadline, and how to reduce cutover risk.
Based in Doha, Qatar
Palani KumarAnnamalai
From electronics and MS-DOS to Microsoft cloud, identity and security
Cloud, Infrastructure, Identity & Security ArchitectMicrosoft Certified TrainerCISSPFormer Microsoft Cloud Solution Architect
I began by building simple radio devices, learning on a SIVA PC and assembling my own computers. That curiosity became a career across Windows NT, Exchange, Active Directory and enterprise infrastructure—and now Azure, Azure Local, Microsoft 365, identity and security.
- Roots
- Electronics, MS-DOS and self-built PCs
- Previously
- Microsoft Cloud Solution Architect, 2021–24
- Teaching
- Microsoft Certified Trainer, current 2026
- Worked in
- India, the UAE, Ireland and Qatar
Connected technology
The whole Microsoft environment, working as one system
Modern architecture connects infrastructure, cloud, identity, security and automation. My experience spans those connections—from the platform underneath to the controls and operational practices around it.
Technology progression
Experience across every layer of the Microsoft estate
Many problems on a modern Microsoft estate start in something older: a directory design, a cluster witness, a mail flow rule, a permissions model nobody revisited.
Much of my work has been implementations, migrations, upgrades and the transitions between generations, which is exactly where those older layers surface. This site is where I write down what that work teaches, for engineers who will actually try the steps.
- Windows NT and Exchange 5.5Where it started
- Windows Server and Active DirectoryDirectory, domains and server generations
- Exchange generationsOn-premises messaging, then hybrid and Exchange Online
- System Center, virtualisation and clusteringEnterprise management and availability
- Storage Spaces Direct and Azure LocalSoftware-defined infrastructure; Azure Local was Azure Stack HCI until November 2024
- Azure and Microsoft 365Cloud platform and productivity services
- Identity, security and governanceEntra ID, Defender, Sentinel and Purview across every layer
AutomationPowerShell · Microsoft Graph
Current focus
Five areas I work in today
These are the areas where established infrastructure and current cloud services meet, and where my writing, labs and training are focused.
Infrastructure and hybrid cloud
Windows Server estates, clusters and software-defined storage, and how they extend into Azure and Azure Local.
- Windows Server
- Active Directory
- Failover Clustering
- Storage Spaces Direct
- Azure
- Azure Local
Identity and access
From Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID: hybrid identity, authentication, Conditional Access and privileged access.
- Microsoft Entra ID
- Hybrid identity
- Conditional Access
- Identity governance
- Privileged Identity Management
Messaging and collaboration
Exchange since 5.5: on-premises generations, Exchange hybrid, Exchange Online and the Microsoft 365 around it.
- Exchange Server
- Exchange hybrid
- Exchange Online
- Microsoft 365
- Teams
Security and governance
Security operations, identity security and data governance, built on Zero Trust principles rather than bolted on.
- Microsoft Defender
- Microsoft Sentinel
- Microsoft Purview
- Zero Trust
Automation and technical enablement
PowerShell and Microsoft Graph for the repeatable work, and labs, scripts and training so others can do it too.
- PowerShell
- Microsoft Graph
- Labs and scripts
- Training
Technical writing
Practical guidance, documented in depth
I write on LinkedIn about Microsoft identity, security, messaging, governance and infrastructure. This site is the permanent home for the deeper engineering pieces: the problem, the evidence, the mechanism and the fix, with the versions tested.
A practical readiness plan for discovering EWS dependencies, controlling temporary access and moving Exchange Online integrations forward.
How electronics, local computer support and successive Microsoft platforms shaped the way I approach infrastructure, identity and security.
Training and community
Practical training grounded in experience
As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, current for 2026, I teach Azure and Microsoft security and present to technical audiences.
No sessions scheduled yet. Dates are published on the training page once confirmed.
Selected credentials
Credentials aligned to my work
These selected credentials support my work across security, architecture, cloud and identity. The broader certification record is available on Credly.
Current, 2026
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Recorded AZ-900, AZ-104 and SC-200 training series, and technical presentations. Training
Professional certification
- CISSPCertified Information Systems Security Professional
Expert certifications
- SecurityMicrosoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
- CloudMicrosoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Microsoft 365Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert
As of September 2026
- active Microsoft certifications
- 18
- passed Microsoft exams
- 32
- Microsoft Applied Skills
- 2
Contact
Connect
I’m open to senior architecture, technical leadership, speaking and Microsoft training opportunities. For professional enquiries or questions about material published here, email is the best way to reach me. I also share shorter technical notes on LinkedIn.