ITIL 4 is the latest version of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a widely adopted framework for IT Service Management (ITSM). ITIL provides a set of good practices and guidelines for aligning IT services with the needs of the business.
ITIL 4 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, but also introduces several key changes and enhancements to better address the modern IT and business landscape.
Here are some key differences between ITIL 4 and ITIL v3:
- Service Value System (SVS):
- ITIL 4: Introduces the Service Value System, a holistic approach that includes interconnected components such as the Service Value Chain, Service Value Streams, and the Guiding Principles. It emphasises the co-creation of value with stakeholders.
- ITIL v3: Focuses on the Service Lifecycle, consisting of five stages: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement.
- Service Value Chain:
- ITIL 4: Introduces the Service Value Chain, a set of interconnected activities that organisations can use to create and deliver value. The activities include Plan, Improve, Engage, Design & Transition, Obtain/Build, and Deliver & Support.
- ITIL v3: Emphasises the processes and stages within the Service Lifecycle, each contributing to the delivery of IT services.
- Guiding Principles:
- ITIL 4: Introduces seven guiding principles (e.g., Focus on Value, Start Where You Are, Collaborate and Promote Visibility) that provide organisations with a mindset for making decisions and shaping their culture.
- ITIL v3: Emphasises principles, but ITIL 4 places a more explicit focus on them as guiding concepts.
- Practices:
- ITIL 4: Expands the concept of processes into practices, providing more flexibility and scalability. Practices include Management, Technical, and Service Management practices.
- ITIL v3: Primarily uses the term “processes” to describe activities within the Service Lifecycle.
- Continual Improvement:
- ITIL 4: Integrates continual improvement throughout the framework, emphasising the importance of regularly assessing and improving all aspects of IT services.
- ITIL v3: Has a separate stage called “Continual Service Improvement”.
- Flexibility and Adaptability:
- ITIL 4: Designed to be more flexible and adaptable to different contexts, including Agile, DevOps, and other emerging practices.
- ITIL v3: While adaptable, ITIL 4 places a stronger emphasis on adaptability to different working methods.
Conclusion:
ITIL 4 is seen as a more modern and flexible framework, designed to better align with contemporary IT and business practices. It places a stronger emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and delivering value in the digital age.
Organisations can choose to transition to ITIL 4 from ITIL v3 at their own pace, considering their specific needs and circumstances.
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