IT Infrastructure Library

What is ITIL?

Standards-based approaches to managing the increasingly complex IT environment have been rapidly embraced by the IT community. The most popular, framework being adopted is the "IT Infrastructure Library," or "ITIL."

Originally developed by the British government in the late 1980s, ITIL is comprised of a growing series of publications that outline a process-based set of best practices for IT service and systems management. The IT Service Management Forum (itSMF), a not-for-profit organization, governs publication of ITIL best practices with the single minded goal of properly aligning technology services with business needs.

ITIL promotes a quality approach to achieving business efficiency and effectiveness in the use of information systems. ITIL best practices are applicable to all IT organizations, no matter what their size or what technology they use. Today, ITIL is the world's most widely accepted approach to IT service management.

IBM and Tivoli Promote and Support ITIL
IBM recognizes that ITIL is an important element in providing a structured approach to IT service management. In fact, IBM provided documentation, education and expertise that were key inputs to the original set of ITIL publications. Since that time, IBM has contributed ideas to the ongoing development of ITIL and is active in itSMF on a global basis.

IBM has made a strategic commitment to continue to promote and enhance the ITIL framework. Tivoli software has a strong alignment with ITIL practices and definitions. As IBM continues to develop new functionality and product offerings, the ITIL framework will be a significant part of the design guidelines.

Learn more about ITIL

• ITIL View of Service Management
• IBM Involvement and History with ITIL
• IT Service Management Forum (itSMF) Web site
• IT Infrastructure Library Flash demo