Eldar Kuli-zade
LinkedIn

Data & AI / Cloud architecture

Hello, I'm

Eldar
Kuli-zade.

Data. AI. The bigger picture.

I help enterprise customers turn complex data estates into practical cloud, analytics and AI platforms. My work connects architecture decisions to delivery: from discovery and modernization strategy to proofs of concept, migration planning and production readiness.

Explore my experience Connect on LinkedIn
20+years across database,
data-platform & cloud engineering

Education

MSc, Applied Mathematics & Physics

Moscow Aviation Institute / 2001 - 2007

Languages

English
Fluent
Russian
Native
Dutch
Basic

Experience

From the foundations
to the bigger picture.

Operational depth.
Enterprise perspective.

Architecture with impact Current role
Microsoft
Oct 2022 - Present

Senior Cloud Solution Architect, Data & AI

Leading enterprise Data & AI architecture and modernization conversations across Microsoft Fabric, Azure SQL, hybrid data platforms and AI. I bring executives, engineers, security and operations teams together around a practical target architecture and an executable roadmap.

  • Shaped platform strategies for 15+ enterprise customers, connecting workload assessments, platform choices and phased migration plans to business priorities.
  • Designed Fabric, SQL and lakehouse foundations around governance, Zero Trust, private connectivity, resilience and operational ownership.
  • Accelerated bounded POCs and MVPs across analytics, machine learning and generative AI; shaped assessments influencing EUR 10M+ Azure consumption deals.
  • Connected governed enterprise data to analytics and AI pipelines, reducing time-to-insight by approximately 40%.
  • Aligned customer teams and Microsoft specialists to land 20+ production workloads, supported by architecture reviews, workshops and technical enablement.
Microsoft FabricAzure SQLAzure Data LakePower BIDatabricksAzure Machine LearningAzure OpenAI

20+production workloads

Deep expertise. Shared.
Microsoft
Oct 2013 - Jun 2022

Senior Premier Field Engineer / Customer Engineer, Data & AI

A customer-facing engineering role spanning mission-critical operations, platform modernization and technical delivery across Central and Eastern Europe. I worked close to customer systems and engineering teams, combining operational depth with architecture and enablement.

  • Delivered SQL Server, Azure SQL, Power BI, Azure Machine Learning and Databricks engagements, including assessments, migrations and production-readiness reviews.
  • Resolved 500+ complex escalations and helped customer teams strengthen performance, recovery and reliability through proactive health checks and architecture reviews.
  • Enabled 300+ customer and partner engineers through workshops, technical training and hands-on troubleshooting.
  • Contributed to Azure Machine Learning workshop development and completed an Azure ML product-management rotation in 2021-2022 alongside customer engineering work.
SQL ServerAzure SQLPower BIAzure Machine LearningDatabricksTechnical Enablement

300+engineers trained

Built for the critical path
Alfa-Bank
Apr 2011 - Oct 2013

MS SQL Server Database Developer / DBA

Combined database development and DBA responsibilities in a demanding banking environment. My focus was keeping critical systems dependable while improving the SQL code, infrastructure and recovery practices behind them.

  • Developed and optimized T-SQL, investigated execution plans and tuned critical database workloads, reducing key query latency by approximately 50%.
  • Administered SQL Server environments across clustering, monitoring, availability and disaster-recovery planning.
  • Led database and server migrations, including moves from newer to legacy server environments, managing compatibility and continuity of service.
  • Troubleshot and restored critical systems during operational incidents, connecting database-level diagnosis with application and infrastructure teams.
SQL ServerT-SQLClusteringPerformance TuningDisaster Recovery

~50%lower critical query latency

Strong foundations
Moscow United Energy Company
Oct 2005 - Apr 2011

Windows & SQL Server Administrator

Built the operational foundation for a career in enterprise data at MOEK, Moscow United Energy Company. I administered a substantial Windows and SQL Server estate, combining systems administration with database engineering and practical automation in the energy sector.

  • Administered Windows servers and SQL Server environments, covering access, platform health, availability and day-to-day operational support.
  • Optimized databases and investigated performance bottlenecks, improving the reliability and responsiveness of operational systems.
  • Provided additional Sybase database administration alongside the Microsoft server estate.
  • Automated recurring administration and maintenance tasks, making day-to-day operations more consistent and efficient.
  • Improved data integrity and reliability through consistent maintenance, troubleshooting and operational processes.
Windows ServerSQL ServerSybaseDatabase OptimizationAutomation

Skills

Platform breadth.
Engineering depth.

Strategy, architecture
and practical delivery.

Cloud & data

The foundations for useful, trusted data.

  • Microsoft Fabric & OneLake
  • Azure SQL
  • SQL Managed Instance
  • Azure SQL Hyperscale
  • SQL Server
  • Azure Data Lake
  • Power BI
  • Azure Databricks
  • Azure Synapse
  • Azure Cosmos DB
  • Azure Database for PostgreSQL
  • Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server

AI & machine learning

From experimentation to integrated solutions.

  • Azure OpenAI
  • Azure Machine Learning
  • AI / LLM Integration
  • Fabric Data Agents
  • AI over Enterprise Data
  • Responsible Architecture
  • Cognitive Services
  • GitHub Copilot

Architecture & engagement

Connecting technical decisions to business value.

  • Lakehouse Design
  • Data Governance
  • Security & Zero Trust
  • Private Connectivity
  • MLOps
  • Cloud Strategy
  • Executive Advisory
  • POC / MVP Delivery
  • Migration & Modernization
  • Mission-critical Readiness

Languages & tools

Practical engineering, prototyping and automation.

  • Python
  • T-SQL
  • DAX
  • PowerShell
  • Jupyter
  • REST APIs
  • Azure DevOps
  • GitHub
  • Architecture Prototyping
  • Technical Troubleshooting

Certifications

Experience, supported
by continuous learning.

Microsoft qualifications
and professional programs.

Microsoft Certified

Azure AI Engineer Associate

AI & engineering
Earned2024

Microsoft Certified

Azure Data Scientist Associate

Data science
Earned2022

Microsoft Professional Program

Data Science

Professional program
Earned2017

Microsoft

Cloud Data Platform Solutions

Data platforms
Earned2017

Microsoft Certified

MCSE: Data Platform

Data platforms
Earned2013

A record of qualifications earned throughout my career.