ITIL V3 seeks to integrate, rather than simply align, business objectives with IT service strategy, implementation and operations. It provides a lifecycle approach for the holistic development, deployment and improvement of services by optimizing the relationships among people, processes, technology, knowledge and governance around an improved value-based, business-focused model.
The ITIL V3 refresh has been an international effort—with heavy involvement from vendors; professional agencies; and councils such as ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), ISO SC7 (Sub-committee 7), TSO (The Stationery Office), OGC, and APM Group. Other stakeholders include business customers representing major industry sectors, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. In addition, the OGC allowed people not represented in the OCG to serve as quality reviewers of the lifecycle structure and content.
The thorough planning, depth of expertise and methodical development of V3 will undoubtedly bring improvements to ITIL. While V2 certifications remain valid, the curriculum and basis for the certification will phase out over the next couple years as a new schema is introduced, providing a modular path toward a new ITIL diploma.