tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48903091269107617652024-02-02T16:05:56.150+01:00Davids blogA place to discuss life, ITIL and other interesting topicsDavid :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-74365691259234768752009-03-20T23:46:00.008+01:002009-03-21T12:27:01.876+01:00Finally ITIL Expert<span style="font-family:arial;">Finally - the last ITIL v3 Intermediate certificate (MALC) was passed the other day! The long and winding road to an ITIL Expert in IT Service Management certification has come to an end.<br /><br />The MALC test is definitely tougher than all the Lifecycle and Capability exams and a worthy finish. Although being a multiple choice exam I think it was close to the managerial level needed for the v2 Service Manager exams.<br /><br />Some 4 months ago I wrote about the different exams available for ITIL v3 and shared some thoughts regarding my plan to earn the ITIL Expert. After taken, and passed, every exam available in ITL v3 I must say that it feels great :-)<br /><br />If you have earned your ITIL Expert certification this same way (without bridging) please feel free to leave a comment. It would be nice to hear what you think.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL9BLgg_RC0UE1ZXRoMVue_T9luPIRI2dLmkw1XtwSXLmg-I-_fI1puFuyYAkDfDzj0eoZXmfhIUBOTL4qJWCkZJSYxn5mj4geQkPOxug7DoL39F1eWfkMzS4EsL42Kx6js5KACd4KMFa/s1600-h/ITIL+Expert+in+IT+Service+Management+Pin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315410181522760530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 73px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 64px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL9BLgg_RC0UE1ZXRoMVue_T9luPIRI2dLmkw1XtwSXLmg-I-_fI1puFuyYAkDfDzj0eoZXmfhIUBOTL4qJWCkZJSYxn5mj4geQkPOxug7DoL39F1eWfkMzS4EsL42Kx6js5KACd4KMFa/s400/ITIL+Expert+in+IT+Service+Management+Pin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-45810530125411735102008-11-18T21:36:00.009+01:002009-01-19T15:55:05.112+01:00Do you think the new ITIL v3 pins are nice?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytH31ClJfdDpBaa7z8G_NElEllWuDn2RL6pRS0w9hKvlWtIF_Q4H2KW4orC1J9WUCZ8k2J8szJZ9-uufFsEOzpV3972P_9g1NjlSjpNIo1KkgNxXTuOcZ2uVf4T_Os94t8OAVdywW5ZJI/s1600-h/ITILV3DiamondRow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270109275502357138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytH31ClJfdDpBaa7z8G_NElEllWuDn2RL6pRS0w9hKvlWtIF_Q4H2KW4orC1J9WUCZ8k2J8szJZ9-uufFsEOzpV3972P_9g1NjlSjpNIo1KkgNxXTuOcZ2uVf4T_Os94t8OAVdywW5ZJI/s400/ITILV3DiamondRow.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">ITIL® V3 pins from left to right:Foundation, Capability, Lifecycle, Expert, and Master</span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">I happened to stumble upon this at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Exin</span> (one of the leading Examination Institutes that are accredited by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">APMG</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ITIL</span> v3). The design of their new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ITIL</span> v3 pins has been presented. I received their v3 Foundation pin when i passed my Foundation Bridge exam and to be honest I didn't like the colour compared to the v2 pin. It was less colourful than the v2 predecessor and felt a bit "bleached". Now I realise why. The new pins have all received colours from the v3 Core books. This makes not only (in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MHO</span>) the pins look a bit less colourful than the v2 pins but also to have similar colours that are not very distinctive. So far Foundation, Capability, Lifecycle and Expert pins are available. Any readers that have earned any of the new pins? What do you think?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Best regards,</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">David :-)</span></div></div>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-64549474914802812222008-11-12T18:27:00.010+01:002008-11-18T21:56:04.834+01:00What do you think of ITIL v3 certifications?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267855972607259186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKkZQaNZFBR64m4fI_DYCLV6Re0rLQtfu0frYi5R4n2h6lnxawLcxJEfgVFOeKGSPQgDvYxbGsk6Zb4KjT18fFGTUcRzN4gjQS5e3yXdY-EdWUpSphFSTfUvrEkFfb__HyJ2AchaCMvjL/s200/ITILV3CREDITSYSTEM.gif" border="0" /> <div><span style="font-family:arial;">The <a href="http://www.itil-officialsite.com/Qualifications/ITILV3QualificationScheme.asp">new qualification scheme for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ITIL</span> v3</a> has now been out for some time and the leading training providers have begun delivering courses on the new Intermediate level (at least here in Sweden). This new set of courses made publicly available during the next couple of months will probably raise some questions regarding certification and perhaps some interest in some real life experience of this new qualification scheme. I have not found much to read except the "official sources" about this subject and therefor I want to share my personal experience of this new set of certifications.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">A couple of months ago I embarked on the long and winding road towards an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ITIL</span> v3 Expert certification. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> well aware of the bridging possibility between the v1/v2 Service Manager and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ITIL</span> v3 Expert. This blog post is not about this way of achieving the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ITIL</span> Expert diploma. It only covers the "all v3" qualification and is not about the bridge. I thought this to be a fun way of checking my knowledge regarding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ITIL</span> v3 against the defined "standards" of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">APMG</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">OGC</span> and in doing so also to fulfill a personal goal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Before any critics of certification stop reading or come barking at me I must say that </span><span style="font-family:arial;">I do not mean that certification always is a valid proof of knowledge (and even to a less extent of experience) and that I've long time ago realized that a lot of people have the skills without having the diplomas and vice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">versa</span>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Credits are earned by attending a course held by an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Accredited</span> Training Organisation (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ATO</span>) and passing the corresponding exam. All who have passed the Foundation level exam on v3 (or added a bridging exam to the v2 Foundation exam) have earned 2 credits. Each exam passed on Intermediate level is worth 3 credits (per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lifecycle</span> course) and 4 credits (per Capability course). The difference between the two streams (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Lifecycle</span> vs Capability) is (in short) that focus in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lifecycle</span> courses is on a "managerial and supervisory" perspective and that the Capability courses have a more "day-to-day" perspective and are similar to the old clustered Practitioner courses from version 2. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lifecycle</span> course goes through each process/function from that particular phase of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Lifecycle</span>. The Capability course can cluster processes/functions together from different phases of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Lifecycle</span> if they are closely related. The difference shows both in value (3 vs 4 credits) and in time in the classroom (at most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ATO's</span> 3 days vs 5 days). If you are one of those holding a v2 Practitioner certification (cluster or single) you are able to count some credits for that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">achievement</span>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Because of the overlapping of courses (Capability and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lifecycle</span>) in v3 and also of the v2 Practitioner exams you will not be able to count every credit earned in the scheme. An exact view of how many credits you need to reach the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">ITIL</span> Expert title can be checked with the <a href="http://www.itil-officialsite.com/itilmapping/v2/map.asp">Credit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Profiler</span></a> which is an interactive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">web page</span> where you can click the exams you have passed and get a view of what those are worth on your way towards an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">ITIL</span> Expert diploma. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">The truth is that I already have earned more credits than the needed (22) to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">achieve</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">ITIL</span> Expert diploma already but I can not account for more than 20.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">This is a thing to observe for all you people aspiring to become <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">ITIL</span> Experts. You must earn (as it says in the scheme) "a balanced set" of certifications on the Intermediate level. If your goal is <strong>only</strong> to achieve the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">ITIL</span> Expert title you should absolutely use the Credit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Profiler</span> to avoid any redundancy in your certifications. I personally think that a lot of people will not focus on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">ITIL</span> Expert title but on covering both the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Lifecycle</span> perspective and the Capability perspective of some processes/functions. Thus attending both courses (e.g. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">RCV</span> and ST) and taking both exams. A mandatory course and exam that stands between each candidate and the title is "Managing Across the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">LifeCycle</span>" (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">MALC</span>). This exam is (if comparing the Blooms taxonomy rating) a more difficult one than the other Intermediate level exams. Courses will (when publicly available in the beginning of 2009) probably be 5 days long and include a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">excersices</span> that are to prove comprehensive knowledge in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">ITIL</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">ITSM</span> domain. Having the advantage of working for an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">ATO</span> and therefore having possibility to take the exam earlier I'm up for this exam in a couple of weeks... :-)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">After sharing a bit of my own experience (so far) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">I'm</span> very interested in hearing comments, suggestions and not the least experiences from you guys and girls out there. What do you think of the new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">ITIL</span> certifications?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Best regards,</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">David :-)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">P.S. If you don't want to post a comment maybe you can fill in your current level of certification in the form on the top to the right. This is just a little poll of my own... D.S. </span></div><br /><div></div>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-86530634752857001652008-08-01T00:00:00.006+02:002008-08-01T00:52:25.473+02:00Long time and no posts...<span style="font-family:arial;">I haven't been posting for a really long time. I must admit blogging was both harder and much more timeconsuming that I had first thought. The time to produce a lot of posts has simply not been there. Rather than to produce lots of posts that I don't think are good I have not written any posts. I admit to be a bit pedantic...and fully occupied with family, friends, housekeeping and last but not least work.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Fortunatly I have the opportunity to work with some of the best ITIL experts in Sweden so the ITIL part of my life is really active and flourishing although this has not been presented in this blog. I must say that I'm proud to a be part of <a href="http://www.bita.eu/">BiTA</a>, the leading ITIL training and ITIL consultant firm in Sweden.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Will there be any more posts? I don't really know, but I will try to post some more soon. I hope to find more time this autum to share my thoughts of Life, ITIL and other interesting topics.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards,</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-68006747168128470362007-09-13T01:27:00.000+02:002007-09-13T02:03:42.182+02:00Another ITIL version 3 book has been published<div><span style="font-family:arial;">The book is entitled "The Official Introduction to the ITIL Service Lifecycle" and is written by Sharon Taylor, chief architect of ITIL version 3. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJjhB0ZkxeoBIx6HIYeSpdrJV91NK0oZBfMWCjquMTIJ_VVViiTxgyVCll6HIcoC_IGfZgdysUdtT_YfdJvzmi6rvhVhxKwx-R50Be1x4zzgUtoyfHCKIpy29uYvkjxOOPidXlUyExzKX/s1600-h/Official+Introduction.gif"></a>This is an excerpt from the presentation of the book:</span><br /><br /><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYJAZSbzBu0EA0_KCHQar3yJGoiKmCZb1lZ6CXoqeahUOWY0J3zm2EX1JBWV7ysPAxLAi-acIlj_TAjsizUvdQtpQ2de7sKaT5KtUADszDDCddBMxzmBqe5oT0-LLX2XzA5RljCTh0dTw/s1600-h/Official+Introduction.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109472385490530802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYJAZSbzBu0EA0_KCHQar3yJGoiKmCZb1lZ6CXoqeahUOWY0J3zm2EX1JBWV7ysPAxLAi-acIlj_TAjsizUvdQtpQ2de7sKaT5KtUADszDDCddBMxzmBqe5oT0-LLX2XzA5RljCTh0dTw/s200/Official+Introduction.gif" border="0" /></a>"This official introduction is your gateway to ITIL. It explains the basic concept of IT Service Management and the place of ITIL, introducing the new lifecycle model, which puts into context all the familiar ITIL processes from the earlier books. This title introduces ITSM and ITIL, explains why the service lifecycle approach is best practice in today's ITSM, and makes a persuasive case for change.<br /><br />After showing high level process models, it takes the reader through the main principles that govern the new version: lifecycle stages, governance and decision making, then the principles behind design and deployment, and operation and optimisation."<br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The book can be purchased </span><a href="http://www.best-management-practice.com/Online-Bookshop/IT-Service-Management-ITIL/ITIL-Version-3/The-Official-Introduction-to-the-ITIL-Service-Lifecycle/"><span style="font-family:arial;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span></div>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-26184303876648550732007-09-12T22:20:00.000+02:002007-09-13T02:18:10.652+02:003 or 5 stages in the Service Lifecycle?<span style="font-family:Arial;">The question arose at work the other day. I'll present my thoughts on the subject below. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The lifecycle perspective is really not entirelly new. Two ITIL version 2 books, Application Management and ICT Infrastructure Management, definatly had the lifecycle perspective although it was not applied to the service but to the application and the infrastructural components. What is new in version 3 is that it is applied to the IT Service. All 5 ITIL version 3 core books fit nicely in the new Service Lifecycle concept (see image).</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Zg5iIx3HMdoQQJeBTt6ovLdEY8KIMIXwLhF5CfoyIw3XgkavlzLLNvwLRpdBCA0a_et3g6C6X1iNNGfc2SYVd2ZkGvC87yWWDFwRdCzpX_FQkWmr_Onio0cpYaQHBk1Ic9FcsoE_2mL/s1600-h/itil_3.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109456975147872706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Zg5iIx3HMdoQQJeBTt6ovLdEY8KIMIXwLhF5CfoyIw3XgkavlzLLNvwLRpdBCA0a_et3g6C6X1iNNGfc2SYVd2ZkGvC87yWWDFwRdCzpX_FQkWmr_Onio0cpYaQHBk1Ic9FcsoE_2mL/s200/itil_3.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Having said that does not mean I think there are necesarilly 5 stages in the Service Lifecycle. On the contrary. I would like to point out that the books should not be seen each as one of five stages.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">It is clear when reading the books that Service Strategy (SS) is NOT a stage while Service Design (SD), Service Transition (ST) and Service Operation (SO) are. That is also clearly stated in the ITIL Glossary (v3.1.24). The glossary uses the term "stage" on SD, ST and SO. Here is a quote from the 3rd edition of the ITIL Refresh News on the subject:<br /><br /><em>"It [Service Strategy] also helps them make the business case for investments in the Lifecycle phases of Service Design, Service Transition, and Service Operation, and in the ongoing activity of Continual Service Improvement"</em><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">If not 5, then how many stages are there? Can we then state that there are 3 stages i the Service Lifecycle? Maybe not. The glossary state that Continual Service Improvement (CSI) is a stage in the lifecycle. I think this is not so strange considering that CSI is essential for the improvement of the service. Another aspect is that CSI is iterative in itself (PDCA, remember?) even if the SD, ST and SO should happen to be completely "linear". Something that has influenced the IT industry in general and the development of IT systems (and services) in particular is the iterative approach. The iterative approach is definitely in ITIL version 3 although I think it is not being used consistently in all aspects of the framework. One thing that the iterative approach does is that it weaves together SD, ST, SO and CSI. Improvement is done until the service is retired.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The difference between SS and the other books would be that SS preceeds the others and is answering the "Why?" more than the "How?". If we apply this on the Service Lifecycle it means that SS is the "base" for the others. Of course one could argue that the decision to "give life" to a service should be seen as part of that services lifecycle, but to me that is to much of a phylosophycal argument.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">So the answer to the question as I see it is "No". Neither 3 or 5 but 4. 4 (SD, ST, SO and CSI) highly integrated iterative stages of a lifecycle that is the realisation of a strategy (SS).</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">What do you think?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I will return with more on version 3 and what I see as important, interesting or confusing in coming posts. Stay tuned.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-75819311170710707452007-06-01T14:27:00.000+02:002007-06-01T14:42:05.493+02:00ITIL version 3 glossary available for download<span style="font-family:arial;">The OGC ITIL glossary for version 3 has been made available for public download at the <a href="http://www.best-management-practice.com/">OGC site</a> after you've accepted the terms of use. The glossary has been used during the writing of the version 3 books and to my knowledge it was one of the first things that the authors agreed on. It has been both trimmed and extended and it contains references to the books in the version 3 suite. I think it will be of great value in helping us all to use the same definitions and acronyms in the ITIL community.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-39318585258915892952007-06-01T12:57:00.000+02:002007-06-01T14:49:25.613+02:00Have you ordered the ITIL v3 books yet?<span style="font-family:arial;">I haven't seen any info on the web about the pricing and the different ways to acquire the ITIL v3 documentation and want to share my findings in the subject. Two days have passed since the books became "orderable" and this is what I've found out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">First I must say that all 5 books in the ITIL v3 suite are extensively integrated and therefore I talk about the whole suite in this post. The different processes in version 3 are placed in the different <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7xD0IK55UPtCiQj1GSAByp2ScEU9FBbwKyXzjb2V8-JcHvUodw6WUZx6UVl_sb6XZnSC9OIUs_nm615ftJIxAGlt1sI9X8od6eIlhEGrsx9Mt5zunZps6lE61dJSF5jABB_prPNgX6yt/s1600-h/ITIL+v3+books_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071069964106963634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7xD0IK55UPtCiQj1GSAByp2ScEU9FBbwKyXzjb2V8-JcHvUodw6WUZx6UVl_sb6XZnSC9OIUs_nm615ftJIxAGlt1sI9X8od6eIlhEGrsx9Mt5zunZps6lE61dJSF5jABB_prPNgX6yt/s200/ITIL+v3+books_.jpg" border="0" /></a>books after careful consideration, I'm sure. At the same time, since Change Management for example is placed in the Service Transition book, but is still very central in the day-to-day operation of a service management team, it is not enough to buy the Service Operation book to get a view of the day-to-day processes of ITSM. For many people this will probably feel like having to buy more than needed. To me it feels like the right way to go. I think we've had a situation with the version 2 library that is unfortunate focusing a bit to much on the Service Delivery (SD) and Service Support (SS) books. Thus creating a view that those are all you need to read in the library. There are also organisations grouping their competences very much after the grouping in the library creating an unnecessary distance between for example Application Management and some of the processes in the SS book (e.g. Change Management). So, back to the v3 suite. Let's start with an overview of the material available.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">There are 3 different channels or formats as you all probably know;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">- Hard copy (£299+shipping)<br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">- Downloadable PDF (£351.33)<br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">- Online 1-year subscription (£311.38)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The prices are taken from TSO webshop at <a href="http://www.best-management-practice.com/">http://www.best-management-practice.com/</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I placed my order today and thought that you could be interested in some findings about the ITIL v3 documentation. One thing that surprised me not being a TSO customer before is the way they are pricing the 1-year online subscription. The price shown above for the subscription gives you access to the suite for 1 year and nothing more. The value of the promised updates with for example complementary guidelines, case studies etc. is really hard to assess today. We cannot even be sure there will be any mayor updates for the next 12 months. Enhanced functionality that will be in the online version:<br />• an interactive process map with links through to the title(s) you have in your portfolio<br />• enhanced search results covering the core library</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">To pay £300 for the hard copy that will be on my desk, in my bag and in my library <strong>for years</strong> is to me a much better value for money than having online access to the same material for <strong>12 months</strong> paying some extra pounds. The information I've been given about the costs of renewals of the subscription makes it even worse. I was told by the TSO customer service that the pricing of renewals of their other online products was about the same as the 1-year subscriptions and that ITIL v3 would probably be priced in the same way. In MHO this means that the material online must be developed considerably and that a lot of material must be added online every year to make this a good deal for a single user.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Having said that I must point out an aspect of the online subscription that makes it a really good deal and that is the multi user version. TSO is offering a concurrent user version of the online subscription. The product is priced individually as it is obvius that an order for 1000 concurrent users is priced differently than an order for 5 concurrent. The same disadvantages that apply to the single user version are still there and the cost of keeping the product is still that of a new product per year.<br /><br />The concurrent user option offers greatest access to the guidance and is based on the number of users accessing the content at the same time. For example, if your company has 500 employees but only expects 10 to access the guidance simultaneously, a licence for 10 concurrent users would be appropriate. This is the best option for corporate access.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Regards, David :-) </span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-56771200215310041712007-05-15T22:28:00.000+02:002007-06-01T12:57:22.146+02:00What is life about?<span style="font-family:arial;">Is it about working with ITIL? Is it about being an IT-consultant with challenging assignments? Is it about running from morning 'till dusk, taking care of children or trying to clear the never ending to do-lists that come with having a house of your own? Is it perhaps like the song from the mid-eighties performed by Opus (can't help it but the song "Live is life" popped up in my head all of a sudden...) that it's about being "Live" at a concert.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is of course both a personal and also an epic question but it's a question I think we formulate way to seldom. Why not take the opportunity while you're reading this blog to pause and think about what life is all about - for you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Calm, this blog is not going anywhere. Are you?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Maybe that is an excellent entry-point. Getting to know what life is all about is definitely related to us going somewhere and us having a goal. Do you have a goal?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">To be honest I often both behave and feel like that is not the case. Quite strange considering I am and we all are "moving on" - knowingly or not - to somewhere. I come to think about a great book or a couple of books by M Scott Peck (1936-2005), "The road less traveled" that came in the late seventies and is a best-seller and "Further on the road less travelled" published some fifteen years later. They discuss this journey of self-discovery, relationships, problem-solving and spiritual growth. I think we all are on this journey whether we believe it or not. If you think you're not moving I respect that, of course. Personally I'm convinced I'm moving and that I'm better of being aware of that. I hope you know you're walking and I just encourage you to walk further. The goal is again both personal and universal, and maybe material for another post, but it's definitely exciting to walk. And sometimes hard. I love the first line in the first book mentioned above as it begins "Life is difficult" and the second book adds "Life is complicated". In doing so they point out dimensions of the walk that we try not to admit. In admitting their existence our walk becomes more coloured and our pain and struggles are somehow more understandable.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">So, after writing lots of words and promoting a couple of books that are definitely not part of ITIL v3, what is the conclusion? Is there an answer to the question "What is life about?"? I think a good answer (at least for me) is "About walking - each step more and more aware of the goal". I have a looooooong walk ahead...with both philosophical posts and more ITIL stuff.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Good night, David :-)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-7925665543023038852007-05-15T21:17:00.000+02:002007-05-15T22:01:11.142+02:00Thank you IT-skeptic!<span style="font-family:arial;">The IT-skeptic has given me a lot of hits after selecting part of one of my posts about Configuration Management/CMDB as "Quote of the month". Thanks! I really like your site (see my links) and I am honoured :-)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Thank you all who have followed the link. I hope you find more of interest while you're here. This also encourages me to start writing more often after a long period of abscence. I will try to post more insights and keep you coming back here with more on ITIL. If I am quoted again by an IT-guru is unsure, but I'm sure I will continue to write on this topic.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Special thanks to the one who commented and shared his/her experience in such a humorous way. Please feel free to share more, before your brain is all smashed ;-)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">For all of you waiting for posts on something other than ITIL the time has come. See my next post.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-4969725186519796972007-04-10T15:40:00.000+02:002007-04-11T10:36:04.264+02:00Some views on Configuration Management/CMDB<span style="font-family:arial;">I think there is a need of a more strategic and tactical view on Configuration Management, just as I tried to explain in my recent post on Change Management. First I have to say that my main discipline in ITIL/ITSM is perhaps Configuration Management. Maybe it's because of that experience that I often describe Configuration Management as being "the ditch in which 'the ITIL automobile' comes to a stop". The ITIL books are somewhat sparse with information on how to get the process of Configuration Management to work, not to speak of the realisation of the CMDB. This leaves us all searching for "silver bullets" or perhaps a "breakdown lorry" to stay with the allegory mentioned earlier.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>There are really a lot to say in this matter and I will get back on the subject. For now I sum it all up like this: there is an apparent need of several (new) "views on Configuration Management" and different "levels" in our CMDBs. If we don't take this into consideration there is a risk of ending up in the "ditch" with our ITIL initiatives...</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">As usual a little research shows I'm not the first nor the most talented that has recognised this and I therefore leave you with some great links on the subject:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The IT Skeptic (sometimes called the ITIL Skeptic) is really a great blog with lots on the subject - <a href="http://www.itskeptic.org/">www.itskeptic.org</a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Charles T Betz is an Enterprise architect that I enjoy reading. He has a lot of thoughts on the subject that I find interesting - <a href="http://erp4it.typepad.com/erp4it/2007/02/configuration_d.html">http://erp4it.typepad.com/erp4it/2007/02/configuration_d.html</a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Some resources on the University of Minnesota Service Management site with a White-paper on CMDB - <a href="http://www.cce.umn.edu/professionalcertification/itil/resources.html">http://www.cce.umn.edu/professionalcertification/itil/resources.html</a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Feel free to comment. I'd love if you have an opposite opinion, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-33242755429768085022007-04-04T13:17:00.000+02:002007-04-05T13:09:05.075+02:00A new certification is always nice!<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHFeN4tkw8ADmcwo36dtvccGG3LD88cCoi0WMJFwSwEDdTlffkDoZCPO48QyQ3l6aljQowBOPKwKyBR8k1hu5_l5YUKqHEbZcO7D2BjQ_a7LpWb2tvjSikaHeM_AoDBUhje3YMQ7AcTnd/s1600-h/ITIL+Practitioner+pin.jpg"></a>I now have received my ITIL Practitioner Release and Control (IPRC) certificate. Since I did the course a year ago I've not had the time to complete the certification and do the test. I finally found that time a couple of weeks ago and have now gotten the result. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">It feels real good to get a concrete acknowledgement and the pin is really nice in demonstrating this ;-).</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR2WRRjSNGsTCYs08RwoFxUTiajbGG5Iej0rwvQhk_oQPVKdV74Ld29rZf3ZFNx-n2TKU6A-YB8F1CP_GVSxf2RvDa76qKmU0Gs9BgnrhybxjF4mytIX_WsjhifqBhE7vB2UTEhSDtt3y/s1600-h/ITIL+Practitioner+pin+small.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049898863082122802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSR2WRRjSNGsTCYs08RwoFxUTiajbGG5Iej0rwvQhk_oQPVKdV74Ld29rZf3ZFNx-n2TKU6A-YB8F1CP_GVSxf2RvDa76qKmU0Gs9BgnrhybxjF4mytIX_WsjhifqBhE7vB2UTEhSDtt3y/s200/ITIL+Practitioner+pin+small.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Best regards and happy Easter to ya all!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-23927002764354572482007-04-03T14:16:00.000+02:002007-04-03T16:32:51.002+02:00The difference between a change and a change...<span style="font-family:arial;">I understand if this sounds a bit like philosophy and not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ITIL</span> or even like a poor sentence, but I think you'll see the point if you read the entire post.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Change Management process is one of the fundamental pieces of Service Management and of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ITIL</span>. What I want to point out is how this process is often managed with an operational view and how that can conflict with the whole customer-oriented view of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ITIL</span>. An RFC for instance is often initiated by a customer wanting to change for example a service on a high level. This kind of change requires a project which further down the process line makes a change to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CIs</span> in the production environment. What I want to point out here as a risk in this chain of thinking is that the change is different both in character and in content on the tactical or strategic business level compared to the operational level.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The businesses perspective on the change in this example is much more complex and must be secured at the appropriate level (see picture with Change in the classical three layer pyramid). If the parties involved in this change have not agreed on and realized that this "business change" is impossible to get in place if Change Management and RFCs is delimited to an operational view. If that is the case the (often) technical change must "push the change up to a business level" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">which</span> I think is wrong.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">What I think is needed is a more holistic view on changes. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ITIL</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">literature</span> is in my opinion both a bit vague on the strategic/tactical support and a bit too focused on the operational parts of a change. To secure a better handling of changes initiated by customers the provider must "meet" the customer and stop accepting RFCs that are "thrown over the wall" or to keep the pyramid view, "down to the operational level".</span><br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8QXHzfoJoiME4t9CuxfAdEycspRWmI0MJTNLNJVACbT5MFV1xAOrSw2l202T-h5YXO2kt7PoUE1PVJECOU3EW0ITqtxMUAhiSnjxKddbVS_KnkvOxsNwcRevNmX8AIOBBZooQJKkCh4P/s1600-h/Change+Management.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049204663430318706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8QXHzfoJoiME4t9CuxfAdEycspRWmI0MJTNLNJVACbT5MFV1xAOrSw2l202T-h5YXO2kt7PoUE1PVJECOU3EW0ITqtxMUAhiSnjxKddbVS_KnkvOxsNwcRevNmX8AIOBBZooQJKkCh4P/s200/Change+Management.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;">If the service provider invests (with the customers money as is always the case, right?) in a better cooperation in the creation, interpretation and "breakdown" of RFCs with the customer it is my strong belief that Change Management would benefit. Maybe it is needed to point out that RFCs initiated from the operational level have similar requirements although inverted. The technical changes must be of value for and in alignment with the business, right?</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"Business reorganisation" and "the adaptive business" are really strong drivers in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">todays</span> businesses and change is business critical. To serve these businesses well it is my humble opinion that we have to adopt a more tactical and perhaps even a strategic view on Change Management.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">What is your view on this? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts on the subject!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-75260230697445400312007-04-01T02:10:00.000+02:002007-04-01T04:09:01.481+02:00Details on the ITIL version 3 launch<span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.itilv3launch.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048251807755831906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Y2drQ1GdrjIbc7KmjIRFkxusQff3f9gM_O4z9cP2gLNJFapvRTNX-rl77e9pw7v8K-BVSg3mftmc848VUGd5eFJTyIlyVQ7ZuPjivygvtnrN_1t9Wsps6g6C90gV9p4Y6tixwkcaK9a3/s200/www.itilv3launch.JPG" border="0" /></a>At last the release party we all have been waiting for is here! The itSMF invites everyone to celebrate the launch of ITIL version 3. The place is Vinopolis, a conference centre a couple of blocks from the London Bridge, and the date is now set to June the 5th. For £295 (itSMF members) and £395 (non members) you get a whole day with the Refresh team, the authors and of course Sharon Taylor. Although I guess the presentations will be similar to the ones given on several itSMF conferences during the last couple of months it is of course an "historic event". To get your name on one of the tickets to this event you should go to the new website that has been set up for the launch: <a href="http://www.itilv3launch.com/">http://www.itilv3launch.com/</a> (see image above). Proud sponsors are IBM and OGC's partners TSO and APM Group. A cool event that I'll not attend, unfortunately</span><span style="font-family:arial;">..</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So, now the launch is really close and it feels like the best practices that were published as GITIMM/ITIL for the first time more than 20 years ago are getting a great Refresh. Thanks to all of you out there that have been working for almost 3 years with this. Can't wait to get my hands on the books...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Best regards, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-69311833346104695842007-03-31T10:16:00.000+02:002007-03-31T12:12:30.030+02:00Where can I find information on version 3?<span style="font-family:Arial;">I would like to thank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Damra</span> for her comment were she asked (in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Swedish</span>) where she could find more information on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ITIL</span> version 3 and how she could keep updated. I'll try to answer those question and thus also adding to the information on this blog about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ITIL</span> version 3.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">OGC</span> has an entire site packed with information at <a href="http://best-management-practice.com/">http://best-management-practice.com/</a> and a lot on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ITIL</span> version 3. There are also (as always) lots of (to many to list..) official and non official sources, websites, blogs and newsletters and (unfortunately) you have to pretty much read it all to get a good view of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ITIL</span> Refresh. Perhaps the most "efficient" way to keep yourself informed is to subscribe to the official newsletter of the Refresh at <a href="http://www.best-management-practice.com/ITILRefreshRegister">http://www.best-management-practice.com/ITILRefreshRegister</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Having read a lot of the material mentioned I will try to meet your wish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Damra</span> and give an insight in version 3 on this blog. A remark is needed though: The format of this blog, with short and not so dense posts, is not unintentional. I have very little time to write and even if I had the time I prefer this more "light" format. To summarize: I will try to keep you briefly informed of version 3, but if you want to be really informed you'll have to read <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dozens</span> of sources like every other passionate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ITIL </span>fan do...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Best regards, David :-) </span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-8855583850733660172007-03-27T15:46:00.000+02:002007-03-31T13:19:56.915+02:00Service Life-cycle perspective - the most significant change in ITIL version 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6ZQh8vjcAQXiraL-x694Z9Gt2DMBW-XcZUdYpUUQbMj7jbbiTHeMpzw-MScyOVxJNI5pnXZsA5ebE-eWoKU6cl3r2tpKkbfBwLMoskHV3nWClR62yTdsmHvFkgU9-yzxfH0azqpcOc4g/s1600-h/ITIL+Service+Lifecycle_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046604278410244002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6ZQh8vjcAQXiraL-x694Z9Gt2DMBW-XcZUdYpUUQbMj7jbbiTHeMpzw-MScyOVxJNI5pnXZsA5ebE-eWoKU6cl3r2tpKkbfBwLMoskHV3nWClR62yTdsmHvFkgU9-yzxfH0azqpcOc4g/s200/ITIL+Service+Lifecycle_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Hi again,</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">What is the most significant change in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ITIL</span> version 3?</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright OGC/TSO</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Undoubtedly the single greatest change to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ITIL</span> in the new version is the life-cycle perspective. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ITIL</span> has evolved from a function-based library containing more than 40 books in version 1, via a process-oriented library with some indications of the necessity of the life-cycle perspective (read Application Management) in version 2 to a complete life-cycle oriented view of services in version 3. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Another result of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ITIL</span> Refresh is that a far better integration between the different books is coming into place. I think that this is very important for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ITIL</span> to remain a tool of choice for all the professionals out there that have read the existing books over and over again and found some inconsistencies between them and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">already</span> see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ITIL</span> as an integrated library.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span></div></div>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-46184852700572474332007-03-22T13:43:00.000+01:002007-03-27T15:46:37.041+02:00More on version 3 to come...<span style="font-family:arial;">I have promised more on ITIL version 3 and although I know I'm not an authority on the subject I'd like to share my findings. Most of the material I will present originates from official newsletters, itSMF conferenses I've attended and different blogs and websites.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">So, do not expect a lot of unique information on version 3 but feel confident that it is accurate and that it is a good compilation.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-78320678441105209352007-03-17T16:14:00.000+01:002007-03-17T17:12:21.376+01:00Spring, and therefore soon summer, is here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV9DSWQqnhEqBINtS6yUAgtFLeNSclaqqQOc88HbTzruK1RWS0c_KfDHL0aIMcKp-sFBpB1zYYZYl-RclUwoOYKNbWJZliloH3E58WPyj6b3Hv_0D4xv0NxAOAb_qRGDSc7wA6-JN808S/s1600-h/Sommarnatt06.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5042926674447320722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV9DSWQqnhEqBINtS6yUAgtFLeNSclaqqQOc88HbTzruK1RWS0c_KfDHL0aIMcKp-sFBpB1zYYZYl-RclUwoOYKNbWJZliloH3E58WPyj6b3Hv_0D4xv0NxAOAb_qRGDSc7wA6-JN808S/s200/Sommarnatt06.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">For some people this up north on the globe the winter is a favorite. To me there are only spring and summer. I love the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Swedish</span> summer nights and you can see an example on the picture to the right.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Another thing I really like is what I ave seen this far of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ITIL</span> version 3. More on that subject this coming week. On <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tuesday</span> the 20t<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">h</span> I will talk at a breakfast meeting about the coming version. After that presentation I will post some of the presented material and of course some comments.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Finally I would like to thank my oldest brother for stopping by my blog to leave a comment. That comment is historical <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">being</span> the first comment ever to one of my blogs :-) My brother BA has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">encouraging</span> me to write for years so I guess <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">I'm</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">being</span> the first to know about and to comment my blog is great. Thanks BA! I'll keep an eye on your blog too.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">David :-)</span></div></div></div>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-15354851327674520462007-03-17T10:58:00.000+01:002007-03-17T17:08:23.912+01:00Where's the time to blog gone?<span style="font-family:arial;">On the other hand, everyone has got his 24 hours, right? Thinking of what persons like Mother Theresa or Florence Nightingale accomplished on their time makes me exit this subject immediately...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I think I just go out and continue this philosophy session in the beautiful spring sunshine. And to really combine theory and practise I'll wash my old car for the first time this year.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Bye for a while,</span> <span style="font-family:Arial;">David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-934401444946014282007-03-14T21:57:00.000+01:002007-03-31T11:30:23.097+02:00A conference is always inspiring!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zAdOs-Buyzd6iu30M9WVfmegBHqSHLTl6MhkgVrYiJIHqoI5M7SFIKslLg3z0oaVwU9bOTlltsiRziVQLG86TcW4EtyoIwpntUwBpR6zYoSRXWXxc9_gLy_R1aJniHxe87fLGumsWVcf/s1600-h/Service+Strategy.jpg"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHUcnuAtl4F95uNmZPdNmeg_20ZL_d2-5BYfayDusaumwqXPTiTiJs5ep09gbrwKx_grKtx0tJPUknBkp48T6MHTB6MDOS5u-k2ZW2-ELqiDj6SY6m1Uq5K-uC-LGwPO4QZSCT_fqeeE/s1600-h/Service+Strategy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041903677661922914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uHUcnuAtl4F95uNmZPdNmeg_20ZL_d2-5BYfayDusaumwqXPTiTiJs5ep09gbrwKx_grKtx0tJPUknBkp48T6MHTB6MDOS5u-k2ZW2-ELqiDj6SY6m1Uq5K-uC-LGwPO4QZSCT_fqeeE/s320/Service+Strategy.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I just came back from the annual itSMF conference here in Sweden. Two days packed with info about the upcoming version 3 of ITIL direct from the authors and socializing with lots of friends from the community. Very nice! It was really inspiring!</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">The changes made to ITIL in version 3 feel like long awaited upgrades and the authors had no problem convincing the audience (us) that the life-cycle perspective is great and that it adds a lot to the processes.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Copyright OGC/TSO</span><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">After having heard several presentations about version 3 I feel the greatest improvement lies in the new Service Strategy book (you can see the cover on the picture above). The need for us ITSM people to not only have a strategy for our process implementations, but for our services, is emphasized in that new book. At the conference one of the authors of the book, Majid Iqbal from Carnegie Mellon University held an acclaimed lecture on different ideas, models and tools to use to secure better alignment between your services and the business goals. He also talked about the need for ROI calculations on services and promised a lot of material on that subject in the new book. I think that this area and this type of questions will be very important to adress as a consultant working with IT service management. The customers expect ROI calculations more and more often and we're asked to motivate with economical terms our different decisions regarding the services.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">The conclusion is that IT Service Management is taking some steps towards IT Governance and IT Management. I personally think that this is both exciting and in the long run needed in an increasingly automated world of IT operations where the production part is offshored.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">I will get back with thoughts on the rest of the 5 core books in the coming weeks. The official release date is 30th of May and the books will go public on June 2nd in London.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">David :)</span></div></div>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-81829014925557428922007-03-02T22:31:00.000+01:002007-03-31T13:17:57.345+02:00There's no return...<span style="font-family:arial;">...the stone is set in motion. My blog is now a reality and I've added some links and information. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">It's all somehow incognito still, but I plan to launch my communications plan soon... ;-)</span><br /><br />//David :-)</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890309126910761765.post-75680006224743509012007-03-02T13:31:00.000+01:002007-03-02T16:00:21.700+01:00Davids blog is launched!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK4mX_53Zr1BE0EWtl3kCRRX4-dSVQ1VWwCHi1h7J5_F-er-kBx9z4s6idJHknkXHD9JpRcm_U0au24yLJ6oFeCk9-GrvRpc6e-dZaFMFyPVHDeaK0X_efSVMktoG8WZAtrEXFHlllOVK/s1600-h/DN.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037340374951265570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK4mX_53Zr1BE0EWtl3kCRRX4-dSVQ1VWwCHi1h7J5_F-er-kBx9z4s6idJHknkXHD9JpRcm_U0au24yLJ6oFeCk9-GrvRpc6e-dZaFMFyPVHDeaK0X_efSVMktoG8WZAtrEXFHlllOVK/s200/DN.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The first post is always historical:-) What should I write in such a special post? Perhaps a short presentation of the purpose of this blog and of who I am?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The reason I created this blog can be summarized like this:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">If you don't blog nowadays it could be questioned if you really exist!<br />- This is frightening for a somehow shy conservative person like myself, but not far from the truth.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Where should I create a meeting place for friends, colleagues and others to say Hi, connect and share opinions and experiences?<br />- I have a scattered family, lots of friends I don't have time to meet in person and several matters I love to discuss with almost anyone who bothers to.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I've been trying to focus and steer my professional career (I've been an IT-consultant for 10 year) towards a more narrow but yet very interesting field of expertise.<br />- IT Service Management and ITIL. To blog is to sort of "come out of the closet" regarding my focus on this areas (ITSM and ITIL). At the same time it will be a way of showing dedication to my own decision to develop in these skills.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I haven't read the ABC of blogging but I think this is becoming a quite long post, don't you think?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Regards, David :-)</span>David :-)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03156746643141640263noreply@blogger.com1