By now everyone within the professional IT community should be familiar with and instituting ITIL-related ideas and/or policies as part of their everyday duties.  Some of the most prestigious, and connected organizations are in fact utilizing ITIL to its fullest extent.  For those that aren’t particularly familiar with ITIL, you might be wondering why this might be the case, right?

According to information which can be freely obtained through several news sources, the NIST (or, National Institute of Standards and Technology) adopted ITIL practices and processes in their day-to-day activities nearly a decade ago.  Lack of understanding and/or training in ITIL will certainly not help in landing you any employment opportunities with NIST; when it comes to ITIL, NIST is definitely on board.  In fact, the cloud computing literature being published and produced by NIST is purported to be perfectly aligned with ITIL.   But ITIL isn’t merely an outside reference material to the NIST, it has become integral to the way they carry out their operations as well.

Before we go any further, let’s establish what the NIST actually does, or rather, is responsible for.    The most immediate duty of the NIST is to develop technological standards and help reinforce them.  But in recent times, the NIST have been frequently called upon to aid in the improvement of the production, assimilation, and dependability of emerging technologies.  This is to say that the NIST is literally helping to improve entire industries from the ground up through their policies and problem solving tactics.

 What are the benefits of implementing ITIL?

If we are to learn what those who are working from within NIST have to say (about ITIL), the key to optimal adoption of ITIL is a slow transition.  When they started integrating ITIL concepts around 9 years ago they (NIST) opted to start with their most immediate issues and essentially “fill in the blanks” later.  This was done intentionally so as to not alienate employees; ITIL is fairly dense subject to study, and trying to integrate all concepts at once will certainly lead to confusion and/or failure.  So what benefits have the NIST reported?  Specifically, the NIST have stated that adherence to an ITIL framework has improved overall infrastructure, helped to create a more streamlined incident management system, and has boosted efficiency across the board.

So, how does this affect you as an IT professional?  Well for starters, it should be blatantly apparent that ITIL and ITIL training are beneficial, especially if they’re being tapped by those who literally issue the standards we all adhere to.  The NIST (and their ITL group) are actively working toward ensuring that their releases are in accordance with ITIL methodologies.  Since most IT professionals are subject to the regulations being developed by the NIST (and the NIST apparently values ITIL enough to account for it) it only makes sense that your average IT worker should also possess an intimate knowledge of ITIL as well.  This also speaks volumes about what the NIST actually thinks about ITIL with regards to its staying power, and/or future importance.

OK, so now we’ve established that ITIL knowledge and training are apparently very useful to organizations which are at the very height of technology.  Likewise, it should be clear that there are significant reasons as to why ITIL training should be on every IT professional’s wish list.

If you’ve already decided that you’d like to jump into formalized study of ITIL you might be wondering what options you have.

There are courses that are offered through technical schools and universities which cover ITIL, but they can be somewhat foreboding for IT careerists.  This is largely because courses which require physical attendance can severely disrupt one’s work schedule and put undue strain on one’s ability to learn / absorb information.  Then of course you have the cost of on-site courses, which (can) literally run upwards into the thousands-of-dollars.  Are there any cost effective solutions which are not only convenient, but also affordable?

ITIL training and certification are now successfully delivered via an e-learning method, and can be delivered digitally to any number of devices (including PC’s, Mac’s, tablets, and smartphones).   The benefits of ITIL e-learning are numerous, and the costs, extremely attractive.  IT professionals who have a background in ITIL should only expect to encounter increasing opportunities and job security, not to mention, upward mobility.

If you’re ready to begin your ITIL training and/or certification, simply click here.    The programs offered here are designed by experts to help you retain more information and facilitate the certification process.  Additionally, these programs are delivered digitally, viewable on any device, and cost only a fraction of what on-site courses might cost.  If you’re looking for a dedicated ITIL learning solution, you just found it.

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Right after someone is introduced to ITIL, the tendency is to attempt to learn as much as possible about the various types of study programs that are available (in order to choose the most suitable or complimentary one to their job/career/aspiration).   There’s ITIL foundation; which is really angled toward ITIL beginners.   ITIL expert: which is the culmination of  very thorough and demanding ITIL studies that’s more or less designed for IT managers and/or, those with lots of experience in the field.  Then of course you have ITIL Intermediate.  On its face, ITIL Intermediate is exactly what its name suggests, which is a program covering the territory between beginner and expert; but it’s (ITIL Intermediate) actually much more than that.

While other ITIL areas of study do in fact reference the IT lifecycle, specifically MALC (managing across the lifecycle), ITIL Intermediate places a central focus on it.  In truth, the work / study performed during an Intermediate study program is nearly identical to that of an expert one, minus certain advanced components.  Most people elect to study Intermediate simply because it is the most sensible and cost effective solution for those that aren’t on the level of an IT manager.  Likewise, one of the great things about ITIL Intermediate is that it can be completed and still used as a component of a more advanced program at a later date.

So, what is it that makes ITIL Intermediate such a unique prospect?  For starters, intermediate training programs often focus on specific business-related qualms with regards to establishing, maintaining, or changing IT service(s).  This includes areas like risk management as well as more intensive IT service management practices which are designed to take advantage of, and/or service the ideas of business leaders within an organization.

All in all, ITIL Intermediate is a more intensive look at service management as a whole.  Once again, the idea is to learn to identify potential problems / risks as well as to begin analyzing data which could point to catching potential problems before they arise.  As more and more organizations come to rely on the services provided by IT, the need for advanced risk management protection(s) becomes extremely important.  This is how it works in the business world; risk management is as important as the any other group of tasks that are performed on a regular basis, perhaps even more so; why should IT be any different?

Additionally, an ITIL Intermediate program will cover areas related to service assessment and the various methods that can be used to accomplish such a thing.  An accurate service assessment in particular is very important because it sets the tone for all subsequent changes to come.  It should also go without saying that business-minded individuals generally have no idea what may be lacking or working in terms of current service abilities.  For example, it is up to IT to accurately portray the abilities and shortcomings of their current (IT) infrastructure so that both appropriate planning can be instituted and steps can be taken to rectify problems before they are given the opportunity to fail in the middle of a big production quarter.

What is the best way to complete ITIL Intermediate training?

But enough about what ITIL Intermediate seeks to accomplish, the real questions are; what’s the best way to train in it, and what can it do for your career?  There are a number of great ITIL courses / programs available which are carried out in physical locations, but they are also prohibitive in many ways.  For example, an on-site ITIL Intermediate course might set you back a few thousand dollars and cause serious scheduling conflicts; which in turn will greatly influence your ability to learn / absorb the knowledge.  This reduced ability in terms of comprehension will undoubtedly make it harder to attain certification, which pretty much negates the purpose of seeking out ITIL training in the first place.

A much better training solution is the e-learning option (for ITIL Intermediate).  Through ITIL e-learning you will get not only a program that’s been meticulously designed by industry experts but also one that can be studied at your leisure.  If that wasn’t enough, most ITIL e-learning programs for Intermediate study are also delivered / viewable on any device, including tablets and smartphones.  As for your (IT) career, ITIL training will only make you a more valuable asset in the eyes of your employer, and armed with the knowledge gained from said program, you will also be able to implement newer and better solutions to existing and emerging problems as well.

If you want to learn more about ITIL intermediate, click here.

When most ITIL devotees hear about COBIT (which stands for Control Objectives for IT) the tendency is for them to question why on Earth yet another governance system would be needed.  After all, doesn’t ITIL deal directly with virtually all governance issues in IT?  Though ITIL and COBIT are similar in their scope and duties they are in fact meant to be used in different ways, or rather, both systems perform specific duties which seem similar but really aren’t.

ITIL tends to focus toward specific services which are to be delivered by an IT organization (including all the various methodologies which have been developed for these ends).  COBIT, on the other hand, is geared toward identifying what needs to be directed within IT and how these elements are to be measured / calculated.  Does this imply that ITIL and COBIT are perfect partners in every regard?  No, of course not; any time you start combining governance and framework methodologies there will be adjustments that need to be made.  Simply put; ITIL and COBIT are both sufficiently complex enough that incorporating them simultaneously could be seen as a sort of trail and error process.   However, those organizations which figure out how to utilize both ITIL and COBIT will greatly benefit in at least 3 different ways.

1. Future alterations and additions are more streamlined because standardized processes have been put into place.
2. The entire IT operation is more transparent and understood by a larger percentage of employees.
3. Efficiency is improved and there is a better system in place for dealing with and/or preventing lapses.

While ITIL is about hands on methodologies for problem solving in a real world setting using proven processes, COBIT (as previously mentioned) is about IT governance.  The components of IT governance are as follows:

• Performance Management – Keeping track of progress and shortfalls
• Strategic Alignment – Aligning business interests with the capabilities of IT
• Risk Management – Dodging disasters through ongoing assessment of risk(s)
• Value Delivery – Ensuring that IT services are cost effective
• Resource Management – Further adjudication of IT assets / resources

As you are likely well aware, ITIL is intimately associated with IT service management.  So, whereas COBIT is centrally focused on the big picture concerning what IT should be doing, ITIL deals with the individual components, or services, which comprise a functional system.  The components of IT service management are as follows:

• Quality Management
• Delivery and support
• Control objectives
• Program management
• Security management

While both IT governance and service management may seem to be nearly identical upon first glance, they are in fact situated on entirely different levels.  A simple analogy would be; if COBIT is equivalent with the plot / outline of a novel, then ITIL would be a chapter by chapter synopsis.  This isn’t a perfect illustration of course, but hopefully it helps to highlight what each system does (or should be doing).

ITIL Intermediate

If you are an IT professional or manager, chances are, you’re probably interested in ITIL training and / or certification.  The question is; what is the best type of program to study if COBIT is being implemented in tandem with ITIL?  In truth, any dedicated and thorough ITIL program is sufficient enough to help IT workers align themselves with upper level governance strategies.  But an ITIL Intermediate program is arguably the most prudent choice for the greatest percentage of IT professionals simply because it is extremely thorough in addition to being centered on the IT service lifecycle.  An ITIL Intermediate program is also not nearly as intensive (or expensive) as the requirements to achieve the ITIL expert certificate, and bulk pricing for multiple licenses are often available as well (assuming you are an IT manager who wants your team to get certified/trained in ITIL).

So, what is it that makes Intermediate training a perfect companion for instituting additional COBIT practices?  The information, methodologies, and processes outlined in ITIL Intermediate allow individual workers to focus on specific components of IT service management, while not interfering with the upper level decision making process inherent to a system like COBIT.

If you are ready to plunge into ITIL Intermediate it is highly advisable that you seek out a fine e-leaning program in lieu of traditional classroom training.  There are several reasons as to why e-learning is the superior choice (especially for IT careerists):

• Digitally delivered e-learning for ITIL (Intermediate) is extremely cost effective, often costing 4 to 8 times less than other educational methods.
• Course materials are viewable on virtually any device, including PC’s, Mac’s, Tablets, Laptops, and Smartphones.  This gives you the ability to study whenever, and however you choose.  Perfect for busy career schedules.
• Greater care is often taken to organize course materials so that learning is facilitated to a greater degree (retention of information).
• Most ITIL Intermediate e-learning programs come with bundled certification preparation (sometimes with coupons for free testing).

The simple fact of the matter is that employers in nearly every field of business and technology are coming to depend upon ITIL certification and training.   Today, most businesses expect potential or current IT employees to have some form of ITIL education; (look at it from their point of view; they are simply trying to put their best foot forward and protect their assets).

For some of the best ITIL Intermediate e-learning programs currently available, click here.

Familiarizing oneself with ITIL is beyond advisable if you’re one of the many IT professionals currently operating in the field (or soon to be), but attaining certification in it is still the best course of action.  Perhaps you’re sitting there pondering on what makes ITIL certification such an outstanding choice in terms of professional development?

To make a long story short, training and eventual certification in ITIL is fast becoming a rite-of-passage for modern IT professionals.  In the past, ITIL was perceived to be useful and relevant but more of a specialization; today however, employers across the board are more prone to hire employees who have experience (in ITIL).

But experience is only part of the equation, most businesses prefer to hire individuals with certification ahead of those who lacking in this regard.  Certifications are simply quick ways for employers to determine what you’re capable of.  Obviously, certification is most important for those who are entering into a new occupation or position, but it is also an excellent safeguard against an ever-changing career field, like IT work.  This is to say that, with certification under one’s belt, it is extremely unlikely that your position within an IT establishment will come under scrutiny.  In fact, certification is more of a step toward eventual promotion than it is a protection from corporate redundancy.

ITIL intermediate is a special area to seek certification in; this is because it is intimately associated with understanding and managing the IT lifecycle.  Most individuals often assume that the “intermediate” moniker is somehow a downgrade, this is not the case.  Other areas of ITIL training tend to focus on the duties of those who might be studying them; for example, expert training is normally reserved for IT managers.

A great number of people often become introduced to ITIL through ITIL Foundation training, which is exactly what you would expect; a thorough grounding in ITIL foundations.  ITIL Intermediate however is a great place to continue your ITIL education, especially for those who are already employed and are looking to expand their knowledge base.  Because ITIL intermediate is intrinsically tied to the study of the IT lifecycle, it can offer professionals useful solutions which they can use in their everyday duties.   So, not only does certification study assist in securing one’s position within and institution, it also strengthens on-the-job problem solving; what’s not to like?

The ITIL Intermediate e-learning and certification solution

It is highly unlikely that most IT pros have the time to devote to on-site classroom education, which is why digitally delivered e-learning has become such a sensation in recent years.  Through an e-learning program it is possible to gain valuable insight into ITIL Intermediate subject matter but in a personal environment, or anywhere you choose.   Excellent ITIL e-learning programs, like those offered here, incorporate expertly designed curriculums, certification preparation, and are viewable on any number of devices (including PC’s, Mac’s, Tablets, Laptops, & Smartphones).

Why is e-learning preferable over other methods of ITIL education?  There a number of reasons why one should choose an e-learning solution, but three of the biggest have to be:

1. Overall cost & value
2. Quality of material & delivery
3. Preparation for Certification

You see, e-learning programs are often meticulously developed by highly experienced professionals.  These gurus not only know what you should be studying, but also how to present it in such a fashion as to allow for greater retention of said information.  Additionally, an ITIL e-learning program is presented with the exact same enthusiasm to everyone who participates; meaning, you’ll never suffer at the hands of a professor who might be having a bad day / month / year.

Then of course there’s the cost factor; ITIL-based e-learning is much cheaper than most classroom based tuition and is infinitely more convenient.  An e-learning program can easily fit into even the most unforgiving schedule, whereas the same cannot be said for courses requiring physical attendance.    Lastly, there’s the specialized preparation you get for certification from an e-learning program.  The people who prepared your course know exactly what you will face during a certification exam and intentionally design the corresponding course to not only better compliment your learning experience, but also to prepare you for testing.

If you’re ready to start exploring the finer points of ITIL Intermediate and get your certification, click here.