How to Manage the Transition from ITIL® v3 to ITIL® 4?

ITIL® is a framework developed by the industry to provide best practices for aligning IT service management with business requirements. ITIL considers IT to be a service that facilitates strategy and drives business goals. ITIL standards and best Practices standardize service selection, planning, and maintenance to provide more effective service delivery to stakeholders.

The architecture facilitates IT interactions with clients rather than being hidden behind the scenes as in the past. ITIL has been around for decades and is the most extensively used service management framework globally. In fact, the ITIL v4 certification is quite popular among IT professionals.  

Of course, the IT sector has changed dramatically during the duration of ITIL’s existence, as it has adapted to meet the new demands of a services economy.

Nonetheless, it has been over a decade since ITIL® v3 was published, with the most recent revisions taking place in 2011. Since then, a lot has happened, including the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, as well as DevOps. ITIL® 4 is the result.

Let’s go into what this implies for people who are certified in ITIL v3—what’s new in the current edition, and what are the Best practices for properly transitioning from ITIL v3 to ITIL® 4?

Changes  in ITIL 4

Although the last significant upgrade occurred in 2007, the framework has remained relevant in the industry and has also gained traction in the ITSM sector. This alone speaks volumes about its exceptional quality. So, what has changed in ITIL 4?

There is a stronger emphasis on practices such as more collaboration, improved organizational communication, customization, better flexibility, and the integration of DevOps and Agile software delivery. While many key principles between ITIL v3 and ITIL 4 remain the same, the new version gives a more unified, holistic approach to IT services management.

Further, ITIL 4 preserves many of the essential aspects found in prior versions. The most recent modifications from ITIL v3 to ITIL 4 aid in optimizing IT service management in a world shifting from a CapEx to an OpEx paradigm. It enables firms to be more adaptable, allowing them to adapt to quickly evolving technology while remaining aligned with – and even driving – business requirements and goals.

The changes in ITIL 4 appear significant, as the primary focus shifts from the service lifecycle outlined in ITIL V3 to the service value system defined in ITIL 4. While many of the essential aspects of the notion of service lifecycle remain, certain prior definitions have been changed in the latest edition to represent new service models.

Consider the concept of “co-creation of value,” wherein both service providers and consumers collaborate to produce mutual.  After all, it’s the way of a service-oriented, cloud-based, and mobile economy.

Scenario: Restaurant patrons evaluate value through taste, scent, hygiene, and ambiance—i.e., the customer experience. The restaurateur must understand her customers’ expectations and make required adjustments to increase service quality through engagement.

This translates into new best practices introduced with ITIL 4 in the field of ITSM.

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Timeline for the ITIL v3 to ITIL 4 Transition

ITIL 4 was introduced earlier this year by Axelos, which manages the ITIL framework’s development and maintenance, and released the ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module in October. According to Axelos, the following are the forthcoming v4 releases:

• ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transition Module – October 2019
• ITIL 4 Managing Professional Modules – November 2019
• ITIL 4 Specialist – Design, Implement, and Support
• Strategist – ITIL 4 – Direct, Plan, and Improve
• ITIL 4 Managing Professional Transitional Modules – Q1 2020
• Drive Stakeholder Value as an ITIL 4 Specialist
• ITIL 4 Expert – High Velocity IT
• ITIL 4 Strategic Leader Module – Q1-Q2 2020

How To Make the Transition from ITIL v3 to ITIL 4?

The biggest concern for those who are now certified in ITIL v3 is whether the new version invalidates their current certification and credentials. The answer is no. All existing ITIL v3 certifications will remain valid and have professional relevance. However, it is recommended that any IT professional upgrade their present certification to ITIL 4.

Given the differences in the core aspects of ITIL v3 and ITIL 4, individuals with extensive industry expertise may wonder if it’s worth the time investment to refresh their certification. The answer is yes, and in fact, ITIL 4 certification can be even more beneficial to seasoned IT employees. The simplest method to accomplish this is by taking a course to come up to speed. 

ITSM experts will surely benefit from updating in their respective jobs. Seasoned practitioners recognize that career advancement entails adapting to technological changes and making necessary shifts to their philosophical approach to IT management. The longer you work in a field, the more “set” your philosophical perspective becomes. An ITIL 4 certification course might assist you in overcoming this typical professional challenge.

In order to take the next step towards staying relevant and furthering your career in IT management, here’s what you can expect to learn if you take a course to migrate from ITIL v3 to ITIL 4.

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Why who, and what?

An ITIL 4 certification course teaches IT, workers, how to apply ITIL to service management and improve the customer experience. A comprehensive course will give professionals a solid understanding of ITIL 4 best Practices and how to use them effectively.

You’ll master important concepts, principles, and process modules that will prepare you to pass the ITIL 4 Foundation exam with certification.