The origin of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) dates back to the 1980s, when it was developed by the UK’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA). The main goal was to create a set of standardized best practices for IT service management to improve the quality and efficiency of IT services across government agencies and other organizations.
Key Developments in ITIL’s History:
- Initial Development (1980s):
- The CCTA developed ITIL to address the need for standardized IT management practices. Initially, ITIL comprised a collection of 30 books that provided detailed guidance on various aspects of IT service management (Wikipedia) (IT Process Wiki – the ITIL® Wiki).
- First Publication (1989):
- The first version of ITIL was published in 1989. It focused on creating a comprehensive set of management procedures to help organizations manage their IT operations effectively (IT Governance).
- Evolution and Updates:
- ITIL V2 (2001): ITIL was streamlined into nine volumes to make the framework more accessible and easier to implement. This version emphasized service support and service delivery processes.
- ITIL V3 (2007): Introduced the service lifecycle model, organizing IT service management into five core volumes: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement. This version aimed to provide a more holistic approach to managing IT services (IT Process Wiki – the ITIL® Wiki) (Atlassian).
- ITIL 2011: An update to ITIL V3, providing clarifications and additional guidance based on user feedback.
- ITIL 4 (2019): The latest version, ITIL 4, focuses on integrating modern methodologies like Agile, DevOps, and Lean. It introduces the Service Value System (SVS) and emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and a holistic approach to IT service management (IT Governance) (Atlassian).
- Ownership and Management:
- In 2013, the management of ITIL was transferred to AXELOS, a joint venture between the UK Cabinet Office and Capita. In 2021, PeopleCert acquired AXELOS, continuing to manage ITIL certifications and updates (Wikipedia) (IT Governance).
Importance and Adoption:
ITIL has become the de facto standard for IT service management, widely adopted by organizations around the world. Its structured approach helps organizations align IT services with business needs, improve service delivery, and ensure continuous improvement (Atlassian) (IBM – United States).
For more detailed information, you can explore the history of ITIL on Wikipedia, the IT Process Wiki, and IT Governance.