I am Dallas Holmstead, an IT Asset Manager and Maker with a proven track record in managing the full lifecycle of IT assets for Microsoft-owned game studios. My expertise lies in designing tailored hardware and software solutions, automating workflows for maximum efficiency, and maintaining advanced systems to empower team success. As a System Administrator, I excel in ensuring system uptime across diverse hardware platforms while providing exceptional user support. My homelab serves as a space for continuous learning, where I experiment with cutting-edge tools and solutions and applying them creatively in both professional and personal environments.
To leverage my expertise as an IT Asset Manager and System Administrator in a role that empowers teams by maximizing system uptime, managing IT assets, and delivering tailored, innovative solutions. With a passion for technology and problem-solving, I aim to drive efficiency, support organizational goals, and foster team success through creative and reliable IT practices.
IT Professional with 10+ years of experience managing large-scale IT systems, specializing in automation, lifecycle management, and troubleshooting complex Windows environments. At Microsoft's Shield Lab, I enhanced efficiency for 400+ systems by developing a custom imaging solution and implemented Snipe-IT to audit and manage 3,000 assets, replacing an unreliable inventory system. During the pandemic, I ensured seamless remote support and equipment distribution, keeping teams productive across multiple states. Recognized by Xbox employees for exceptional hardware expertise and user-centric support, I am passionate about empowering teams through innovative technology solutions. My commitment to continuous learning is evident in personal projects like AI servers and TrueNAS systems, which underscore my adaptability and passion for emerging technologies.
IT Asset Management
Software Development
System Administration
Game Tester for Xbox
Sysadmin for Xbox Test Lab
Asset Manager for Xbox
Xbox Game Studios: Studios Quality Team, Contractor: Insight Global
July 2020 - Present
- Managing Hardware Lifecycle: Oversee the entire lifecycle of IT assets for over 200 QA testers and developers in Redmond, including procurement, deployment, maintenance, upgrades, and retirement. Tailored solutions to meet specific use cases, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
- Implemented New Inventory System: Replaced an old unreliable inventory system with Snipe-IT, an open-source self-hosted solution. Conducted a thorough audit of nearly 3000 assets to ensure data integrity and trustworthiness, significantly improving inventory management processes.
- Enhanced Task Tracking Automation: Utilized Microsoft Power Automate to automate task creation and ticketing from incoming emails within the Azure DevOps system. Streamlined workflows, reducing manual intervention and enhancing team productivity.
- Transitioned Teams to Remote Work: During the pandemic, developed home workstation packages for easy setup and supported remote hires. Handled shipping of company assets (including desktop PCs) to employees across multiple states, ensuring business continuity.
- Supported Large-Scale Office Move: Managed logistics for relocating over 200 employees, including PCs, personal items, and equipment. Collaborated with senior leadership on inventory management, layout planning, and maintaining access to remote machines throughout the transition.
Xbox Game Studios: Shield Lab, Contractor: Experis
July 2016 - July 2020
- Managed Shield Test Lab: Oversaw operations for the hardware compatibility and networking test lab, ensuring maximum uptime across over 400 computer systems (desktops, laptops, tablets, and servers) used for preproduction game testing.
- Developed Custom Imaging System: Created a PowerShell-based OS imaging solution to automate fresh unattended installations of different Windows versions on test machines. Enabled remote-triggered updates and installations, saving significant setup time and improving test efficiency.
- Built Lab Server Infrastructure: Designed and implemented server infrastructure, including disk arrays for build deployment, virtual machines for tool access, and DHCP servers for network testing. Set up over 100 TB of network storage capacity to support multiple titles simultaneously.
- Maintained Spare Parts Inventory: Stocked a comprehensive range of spare parts to minimize downtime during repairs, ensuring the lab's systems represented current market trends accurately.
- Supported Mobile Workstations: Configured and maintained mobile devices for all employees, ensuring seamless operation and addressing any issues promptly to maintain productivity.
B.Sc in Game and Simulation Programming
I have a lifetime of working with desktop PC parts and software. I started with a box of random parts that my father had gifted me while I was in elementary school. At the same time I also had a PC obsessed teacher in 5th grade that taught me how to navigate DOS and Windows. With these powers combined I turned that box of parts into a powerhouse of a PC that I could use as a media, homework, gaming machine. Using the power of anime and gaming I learned file systems and software troubleshooting. I have developed these skills from DOS 3.0 all the way through Windows 11. These skills have been invaluable to me in my professional life at Game Studios. I have used this expertise to keep the workstations and test equipment in perfect working order so that testers, developers, and administrators alike can do their jobs effectively every single day. In fact, I like doing this so much
I learn best by doing. Trial and Error encompasses my whole life. I do this when designing some part for 3d printing or when creating a new tool for automation at the workplace. It even seeps into my video game time. One of my all time most played games is Kerbal Space Program. Where you build a rocket and launch. The rocket fails in some spectacular explosion and you go back to the drawing board to refine your design. Enough iterations of this and eventually you will reach the Moon, no matter your starting point. This means that I can learn anything when given enough time and space to research and experiment.
Time for a Fun Fact!
Practically my entire career at Xbox Game Studios can be conveniently tracked over on the Moby Games Video Game Credits Database. I grew up with fond memories of many of the games here that got remakes like Rise of Nations, Age of Empires, and Halo. Now my name will be attached to these games forever because I helped the people who make them succeed!