Learn about ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) in this guide, and get helpful insights and best practices to tap into the framework. Click for more info.
ITIL is one of the top frameworks for better IT service management. What is IT management? IT management helps you optimise resource use according to your organisation's needs.
Implementing ITIL can help ensure your IT services are working to drive growth and further your business goals. Learn more about ITIL v4 and how to put it into practice in your organisation.
ITIL stands for IT Infrastructure Library. It's a set of best practices for IT and digital service management. ITIL helps organisations align their IT services to the critical goals of the organisation.
Following ITIL best practices can help meet objectives such as:
The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency in the UK created ITIL in the 1980s. Axelos Limited now manages and updates ITIL. Axelos is a joint venture between the UK Cabinet Office and Capita professional services company in London.
You may hear the terms ITIL and ITSM used interchangeably. ITIL and ITSM are closely related, but they have several key differences.
ITSM (IT Service Management) is a way of understanding the relationship between an IT department and the organisation that it supports. It helps you align IT processes and services to drive growth.
ITSM includes all activities related to IT services. It goes from planning and design to implementation and operation. Maintenance also falls under ITSM.
Many organisations have started or are planning to use ITSM capabilities in areas beyond IT.
ITIL is a framework of IT best practices for ITSM. Other frameworks include COBIT and ISO 20000. ITIL is one of the most common frameworks for organisations using ITSM.
ITIL includes each phase of the ITSM lifecycle:
Adopting ITIL helps you implement ITSM and tailor it to your organisation's specific needs.
ITIL v4 is the most current version of the framework. Axelos Limited released ITIL v4 in 2019. It represents a significant shift in the model from previous versions.
ITIL v3 emphasised IT service management throughout the service lifecycle. It described the goals of each stage and the processes that support them.
The framework in ITIL v4 is a more holistic approach to managing IT services. It's more flexible and customisable than earlier versions. It integrates with ITSM methods like Lean, Agile, and DevOps.
ITIL v4 uses four dimensions to consider when delivering IT services. These dimensions replace the Four Ps from ITIL v3. The four dimensions are:
ITIL v4 moves from the traditional process-led approach to value-driven delivery. It has seven guiding principles:
ITIL v4 focuses on integrating IT into the overall structure of the organisation. It encourages collaboration. It also emphasises customer feedback.
One main difference between ITIL v4 and ITIL v3 is using a Service Value System. The Service Value System replaces the service lifecycle system in ITIL v3. It helps organisations frame their operations as:
The Service Value Chain is the model at the centre of the Service Value System. It helps organisations create value streams for specific purposes. A value stream is a journey from receiving a service request to delivering those services.
The Service Value Chain is flexible. The order of activities can shift based on the project. The Service Value Chain has six main activities:
Engaging with stakeholders helps ensure you understand their needs. You can then plan with an understanding of the current status and necessary improvements for your service or product. The Service Value Chain focuses on continuous improvement.
Design and transition help you ensure high-quality services at a competitive price. You need to obtain or build components of the services reliably. Finally, you deliver and support those services.
Implementing ITIL best practices has many benefits for your organisation. Proper implementation requires a clear strategy. Upper management and other key players must be invested in the transition.
Your IT team needs to pinpoint the problems they want to solve and their goals in adopting ITIL. Leadership can then identify the steps and resources necessary to reach those goals. You'll need to choose who will fill the roles and functions in the ITIL framework.
Depending on your IT and management teams' expertise in ITIL, your staff may need training.
ITIL certification has two main paths. The entry-level Foundation module is a requirement for moving on to either the Managing Professional or Strategic Leader path. You can reach the ITIL Master level by completing the Managing Professional and Strategic Leader certifications.
You can take courses from accredited training centres. You can also choose to study on your own. Many people find that the structure and support of a training course lead to better results on the certification exam.
An implementation roadmap outlines your organisation's steps to align with the ITIL framework. A gap analysis can help you identify where you need new processes. It will also show processes that are no longer necessary or need revision.
You can develop KPIs to measure whether process improvements are working. The Continual Service Improvement process is vital to implement ITIL successfully. IT organisations can always find ways to improve.
Implementing ITIL best practices helps you drive growth. You can integrate IT into the overall structure of your organisation. This helps ensure that your processes are supporting your business goals.
The right ITIL v4 training courses will prepare your team for successful implementation. Advised Skills delivers top-notch professional training all over the world. Our participants have a 98.99% exam pass rate.
Advised Skills offers accredited ITIL courses. You can choose live online or in-person classes to fit your schedule. Our expert instructors aim to create a positive and efficient learning environment to help you succeed.
Register for an ITIL 4 training course from Advised Skills today and start preparing to transform your IT services.
Marcin Chmielewski - Blog Author
He has extensive IT knowledge combined with enthusiasm for digital marketing.
His extensive experience and knowledge come from many years of working for large corporations. Associated with Information Technology since the beginning of his career, he has qualifications in the fields of team management, Enterprise Architecture, IT Service Management, databases, application servers, and operating systems.
His hobbies include traveling, skiing, and hiking.
Prepaid vouchers from Advised Skills offer a smart solution for securing training for your team, especially with the upcoming new year.
NewsNovember 29, 2023
The world of software development needs more than creative thinking and technical skills. Organizations involved in these projects need proper enterprise architecture methods to help them through the process successfully. Advised Skills certification programs for TOGAF offer comprehensive knowledge and skills to make this happen.
NewsNovember 28, 2023
Digital projects have rapidly emerged as pillars underpinning the success and innovation within many organizations. These projects need careful management because of their unique challenges and opportunities, which involve technology, creativity, and strategy.
NewsNovember 21, 2023
It takes more than general knowledge to stay on top of the dynamic nature of the world’s current IT landscape. At Advised Skills, we pride ourselves on comprehensive and detailed courses that transcend the expected and provide actionable results. The ITIL 4 Specialist: High Velocity IT (HVIT) module expands on existing knowledge to streamline essential capabilities.
NewsNovember 20, 2023
In a world where being adaptable is key to success, learning agile transformation is like finding a hidden treasure. SAFe is like a map that helps us navigate project management, turning challenges into chances for growth and innovation.
NewsNovember 14, 2023
We are looking for Instructor who will be responsible for delivering classroom and online live courses. Positive and efficient working environments are key to our trainers' success.
Through our global network of offices, Advised Skills provides organizations around the world with innovative and state-of-the-art education solutions.
Our team is composed of highly experienced consultants and trainers.
Advised Skills is Silver Partner of Scaled Agile, Inc., The Open Group® Gold member, PMI Authorized Training Partner, DevOps Institute Registered Partner, APMG International Accredited Training Organisation and PeopleCert Accredited Training Organisation.
2023 Advised Skills. All Rights Reserved.