ITIL is the acronym for Information Technology Information Library. ITIL is an array of views and methods for the management of Information Technology (IT) operations and infrastructure. ITIL is published in a series of books that contain IT management topics. It is a registered trademark of the United Kingdom’s Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
How Does ITIL Operate?
ITIL presents detailed descriptions of the number of relevant IT infrastructure, operations and developments. These have comprehensive checklists, procedures and tasks that can be modified to suit various types of IT organizations.
How are ITIL Certifications Given?
The ITIL ICMB controls ITIL certifications, including the ITMF, the OGC and the 2 examination institutions EXIN and the ISEB.
The EXIN and ISEB administer the exams and qualifications for awards at the Foundation Practitioner and the Manager levels. The current levels are:
- Service Management,
- Application Management, and
- Infrastructure of ITIL.
The ITIL Certification Register operates the voluntary registry of ITIL-certified practitioners.
Management Systems are not required to be “ITIL-compliant”, but an organization that has implemented the guidance of the ITIL in ITSM may be able to seek certification under the ISO/IEC 20000.
There are other concepts on the management of information technology operations aside from ITIL. These include the Enterprise Computing Institute’s library which deals with large scale IT Management; the Framework for ICT Technical Support which intended for UK primary and secondary schools; and The Visible OPS Handbook: Implementing ITIL in 4 Practical and Auditble Steps which is ITIL-based but focuses on specific elements of ITIL.
Criticisms against ITIL
There are some criticisms raised against ITIL which are:
- Some claim the books produced are not affordable for non-commercial/ non-business users.
- Accusations arise that many ITIL supporters feel the ITIL is the whole framework of IT governance.
- There are claims that the ITIL’s proponents instruct with so much enthusiasm, at the cost of expediency.