Information Technology Service Management (ITSM), a set of guidelines that helps organizations manage their IT infrastructure, apps and associated processes. ITIL is a leading framework that provides the best practices and processes for IT service management. It’s simply what you buy. Find the best parts for your business and implement them. Then, keep improving them.
ITIL v3 is the best version of this framework, despite previous versions. It was first released in 2007 and last updated in 2011. Companies and organizations have been using it extensively because of its effectiveness. ITIL v3 contains strategic elements that enable IT service management to be implemented to meet business needs. This has made this framework a success. It is also cost-effective and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.
ITIL v4, the latest version of this framework was released in February 2019. It is a symbol of the new technological era in digital services, introduced by AXELOS, a UK joint venture, which was created to promote and develop best practices for professionals working in service management and project management around the globe. This new ITIL version has introduced an entirely new approach to service management, called end-to-end services management. It reflects the shift from value to demand. It is essential in the new eras of cloud, Agile and DevOps as well as transformation.
What are the differences between these versions?
ITIL v3 was a different model than ITIL V4. ITIL v4 is a more practice-oriented approach. Five parts dedicated to processes (service strategy and service design, transition, service operation, continuous service improvement, and service operation) were taken from ITIL V3. They were then transformed into three parts of ITIL IV practices (general management (service management), technology management (technology management). These 34 practices can be used by any organization. Each organization is unique and requires a different approach to running its business.
ITIL v4 gives you tools to increase the value you create for your business. ITIL v4 is about more than just delivering business. It is about working with the business to create value. Therefore, cooperation is key in ITIL v4. ITIL version 3 and ITIL version 4 differ in that the service lifecycle is the core of ITIL v3, while ITIL Version 4 places the service value system (SVS) at the center. The central part of the SVS is the service value chain with 6 activities (plan-improve-engage-design& transition-obtain/build-deliver& support) to provide value to customers and understand the value for the organization.
These two ITIL versions have different guiding principles. 9 guiding principles from ITIL v3 that focused on continuous service improvement (CSI), have been finalized and are now 7 guiding principles for the ITIL v4 edition. The emphasis is on continuous improvement (CI).
Four P’s (people/process/product/partners) included in the ITIL v3 framework have been transformed into 4 dimensions developed in the ITIL v4 framework (organizations & people, information and technology, partners and suppliers, value streams and processes). These are the current IT market requirements.
ITIL v4 has also placed emphasis on governance and automation support. If the first refers to minimizing human intervention and using human resources as efficiently as possible, then the second point is about demonstrating a governance structure that focuses on the service value system, and discussing ways of managing and guiding any organization.
The qualification process is the last point. AXELOS manages the ITIL certifications. The ITIL v3 certifications have 5 levels, while the ITIL V4 has only 3. If you’re curious about how to become ITIL certified, and what changes can be expected in the certification program, read the information below.
AXELOS already announced that the ITIL v3 exams and certifications will be discontinued by 2021. Let’s look at its certification levels:
Foundation was launched in February 2019 to provide candidates with basic ITIL terminology concepts and key elements. It was discontinued in July 2021.
Practitioner (helps one to achieve business goals by providing practical guidance on how to use the ITIL framework).
Intermediate certification is represented in a modular structure where each module focuses on a specific IT Service Management.
Master certification demonstrates your ability to implement the appropriate ITIL principles, principles, or techniques in the workplace.
Expert certification is the highest level
