ITIL Version 3:
Does OGC propose to embrace both ITIL Version 2 and ITIL Version 3? No. OGC expects a transition from V2 to V3. V3 builds on V2, so the way users should view it is as an opportunity to enhance their practices. OGC has always said that ITIL is a framework and should be customized to each organization's needs, so we would expect a user's view of the new ITIL® to be dependent on his current priorities for improvement.
Should I wait to attend training when ITIL Version 3 path is better known?
Foundation training in V3 has been available from 13 June 2007. If your need is urgent do the V2 training and take a bridging module later.
What is the impact of ITIL V3 upon my ITIL or ITSM strategy?
There is much more strategic guidance, so the effect should be that your IT strategy will be better aligned to the delivery of desired business outcomes.
What are the most significant differences between ITIL Version 3 and V2?
The key point is that V3 articulates the relationship between IT and the business far more clearly than earlier versions of ITIL. Instead of focusing on processes as in V2, V3 considers a wider view of IT by considering the lifecycle of a service from its initial planning, which should be aligned to business need, through to its final retirement. This allows a more thorough treatment of strategic options, functions, roles and responsibilities as well as continual improvement. The processes remain and have been improved. ITIL Version 3 also looks more closely at alignment with other best practices and standards.
Will my investment in ITIL Version 2 publications and training be lost?
No because it is more a question that ITIL has grown (towards the business) and matured rather than changed. OGC has stated that 95% of V2 still applies.
What is the impact of ITIL Version 3 on existing ITIL credentials, will they also need to be refreshed?
It is inevitable that people will eventually regard a V3 certificate as more valuable than a V2 one. OGC believes the examination authorities will offer bridging courses and migration paths to appropriate level V3 certificates.
What practical support is there for the V2 to ITIL Version 3 migration?
This area is an opportunity for the vendor industry to support users, but I would not look at it as a migration. Users should be just as picky about what they implement from v3 as they were about V2. A rational analysis may show that there is a higher priority (i.e., better return) for an organization in implementing a new ITIL area rather than to migrate what has already been done.
How are OGC and APMG ensuring other standards are aligned to ITIL Version 3?
After ITIL V3 release, these entities intend to publish guides to alignment of ITIL with other global best practices. The first of these is likely to be with COBIT. OGC and TSO began talking with ITGI and ISACA last November, and hope to publish a revision to the existing COBIT/ITIL alignment guide by the end of the year. There is a lot of enthusiasm among ITIL stakeholders (and OGC) that ISO/IEC 20000 continues be aligned with ITIL. OGC and APMG will continue to promote a close alignment with international standards.
