ITIL, short for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a framework that defines the processes and attributes of a complete IT service lifecycle model, from design and development through the installation and support of IT services.
Companies rely on the ITIL framework to ensure their services are provided in a consistent way that incorporates best practices and streamlined, efficient deployment. The ITIL framework can also help enterprises reduce services deployment and management costs while improving customer satisfaction with service delivery and support.
History of ITIL
ITIL originated in Great Britain back in the 1980s as a way to standardize processes and best practices for IT services utilized by government agencies. Since then, ITIL has evolved into an extensive framework for designing and managing IT service delivery across a broad range of companies and industries.
In 2013, AXELOS acquired ownership of the ITIL framework and has continued to maintain it and is also responsible for accrediting ITIL Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) as well as establishing and revising the various ITIL certification levels and modules.
The Five Levels of ITIL Certifications
As a result of ITIL s continued popularity with companies, employees with one or more ITIL certifications and ITIL experience are often held in high demand. ITIL certifications are available in five levels, beginning with the ITIL Foundation level and progressing to ITIL Practitioner, ITIL Intermediate, ITIL Expert, and finally ITIL Master.
The ITIL Service Lifecycle
The ITIL service lifecycle framework is based on five key areas or phases:
- Service Strategy
- Service Design
- Service Transition
- Service Operation
- Continuous Server Improvement
These phases represent the five core modules of the ITIL Intermediate certification level and are ideal for employees seeking to become managers and leaders in ITIL service lifecycle deployment and management.
The ITIL Intermediate certification also offers a second path, ITIL Service Capabilities, with four separate certifications that emphasize specific ITIL process activities and provide process-level knowledge through service capability modules.
Those seeking the ITIL Intermediate certification need to have met the requirements for the ITIL Foundation and ITIL Practitioner certifications, and those seeking to progress beyond the ITIL Intermediate certification can progress to the ITIL Expert and then ITIL Master certifications once they ve achieved at least 22 ITIL credits and passed the ITIL Intermediate exam.
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