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The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a customisable framework of best practices designed to promote quality computing services in the information technology (IT) sector. As an IT Service Management (ITSM) framework, ITIL provides a systematic approach to the provisioning and management of IT services, from inception through design, implementation, operation and continual improvement.

The processes identified and described within ITIL are supplier and platform independent and apply to all aspects of IT infrastructure. Since the mid 1990s, ITIL has been generally considered a de facto international standard for IT Service Management.[1]

The names ITIL and IT Infrastructure Library are Registered Trade Marks of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), which is an Office of the United Kingdom's Treasury. The content of the books is protected by Crown Copyright.

As part of the overall OGC suite of publications, ITIL does not provide guidance or best practices on project or program management. It does, however, recognize that they are key to a successful ITIL implementation.

ITIL has recently undergone a refresh, and this page presents information about the newly published version 3 (ITIL v3), the core books for which were published on 30 June 2007. The major difference between v3 and its predecessor v2, is that v3 has adopted an integrated service lifecycle approach to IT Service Management, as opposed to organising itself around the concepts of IT Service Delivery and Support.

ITIL v3

Main article: Information Technology Infrastructure Library

In December 2005, the OGC issued notice of an ITIL refresh,[1] commonly known as Information Technology Infrastructure Library v3 (ITIL v3). The project culminated with the publication of five new core texts and a web based glossary on 30 June 2007. The ITIL Refresh project is being led by Sharon Taylor, chief architect of the ITIL Refresh, and president of the Aspect Group.

A key change to ITIL under version 3 has been a repositioning of the framework from the previous emphasis on process lifecycle and alignment of IT to "the business", to the management of the lifecycle of the services provided by IT, and the importance of creating business value rather than just the execution of processes. It is a publicly stated aim of the refresh to include more reference to ROI.

Version 3 structure

ITIL v3 comprises a set of core texts supported by additional complementary and web based materials. While the v2 volumes were only available in English, severely limiting their use in non-English speaking countries, the core titles in v3 are being translated into other languages. Among the initial target languages are Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Hindi/Urdu, Arabic, Mandarin and Dutch. This initiative is being led by the IT Service Management Forum, with resources and support from OGC.

ITIL v3 core volumes

  • Service Strategy focuses on the identification of market opportunities for which services could be developed in order to meet a requirement on the part of internal or external customers. The output is a strategy for the design, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the service as an organizational capability and a strategic asset. Key areas of this volume are Service Portfolio Management and Financial Management.
  • Service Design focuses on the activities that take place in order to develop the strategy into a design document which addresses all aspects of the proposed service, as well as the processes intended to support it. Key areas of this volume are Availability Management, Capacity Management, Continuity Management and Security Management.
  • Service Transition focuses on the implementation of the output of the service design activities and the creation of a production service or modification of an existing service. There is an area of overlap between Service Transition and Service Operation. Key areas of this volume are Change Management, Release Management, Configuration Management and Service Knowledge Management.
  • Service Operation focuses on the activities required to operate the services and maintain their functionality as defined in the Service Level Agreements with the customers. Key areas of this volume are Incident Management, Problem Management and Request Fulfillment.
  • Continual Service Improvement focuses on the ability to deliver continual improvement to the quality of the services that the IT organization delivers to the business. Key areas of this volume are Service Reporting, Service Measurement and Service Level Management.

ITIL v3 uses the word "continual" as opposed to ITIL v2's references to "continuous" service improvement (CSIP). Continual implies an activity that is undertaken on a phased, regular basis as part of a process. Continuous is more suitable for the definition of activities intended to operate without pause, such as the ultimate goal of Availability.

ITIL v3 extra volume

There is an extra volume (also considered a core volume) titled the "The Official Introduction to the ITIL Service Lifecycle" by Sharon Taylor, Chief Architect for ITIL V3 (ISBN-10: 0113310617).

ITIL v3 complementary material

While the new ITIL core draws heavily on current industry practice in IT service management and relevant research, it reflects the major changes in the way businesses buy and utilize IT services. The complementary material will make it easier for ITIL to address specific vertical markets and industries (e.g. Public Sector, Financial Services) and will provide a venue for more rapidly changing guidance around the application and implementation of the best practice described in the core works. It is likely that the complementary material will include, process maps and mappings to governance and other frameworks (e.g. COBIT) and methodologies (e.g. Six Sigma).

Confirmed titles in the complementary portfolio include: Key Element Guides and the Official ITIL Foundation Study Aid.

ITIL v3 web-based material

Best Management Practice, an umbrella website that provides information on OGC (Office of Government Commerce) compliant standards (ITIL, PRINCE2, MSP, and MoR) offers a free PDF version of the ITIL v3 Glossary. The Glossary will soon be available in the same languages as listed above.

Certification and Version 3

Examination and certification is managed by the APM Group, the OGC's and TSO's official accreditor for ITIL, Prince2, M_o_R and MSP, also known as the APMG. The APMG has licensed the following examination institutes:

These groups organise and control the accreditation and certification activity within the ITIL Community. All of the above bodies accredit training organisations and their trainers to guarantee a consistent level of quality in course content and delivery.

The certification scheme was explained at the ITIL v3 roadshow,[2] and has also been the subject of a press release from the APM Group accreditation authority which explains the scheme in detail.[3] All current certifications are still valid, and certification in ITIL v2 will remain available until at least December 2008.

References

  1. ^ Van Bon, Jan: "The Guide to IT Service Management, Vol. I", page 131. Addison-Wesley, 2002
  1. ^ Office of Government Commerce. ITIL Refresh Statement.
  2. ^ Office of Government Commerce. Authors Announcement. Retrieved March, 2006
  3. ^ Office of Government Commerce. Refresh Teamworking.
  4. ^ Office of Government Commerce. IAG Mentors Announcement. Retrieved April 3 2006
  5. ^ Office of Government Commerce. ITIL Glossary. Retrieved May 25 2006
  6. ^ APM Group ITIL v3 Publication Announcement. Retrieved March 16, 2007.
  7. ^ APM Group ITIL v3 Qualification Scheme Announced. Retrieved June 5, 2007
  8. ^ itSMF ITIL v3 Global RoadShow. Retrieved July 04, 2007.
  9. ^ itSMF ITIL v3 Global RoadShow presentation. Retrieved July 04, 2007.
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