IT Governance Blog on IT governance, risk management, compliance and information security.

itSMF member, Reginald Best, has kindly reviewed Information Lifecycle Support: Wisdom, Knowledge, Information and Data Management (WKIDM) exclusively for IT Governance Ltd.

“Information Lifecycle Support focuses on the value of creating a corporate organization which specializes in wisdom, knowledge, information and data management (WKIDM). The authors do a great job of conveying the value of WKIDM when it is integrated into the corporate strategy, roles, processes, technology and governance of an organization. Brain and John have created an easy reading, entry level book. This book is neither a strategic or methodical document but rather a structured white paper which establishes the foundation for discussing Information Management (IM) concepts.

The authors recognize the challenges of implementing WKIDM within a corporation, discussing the lack of business interest, the resistance of IT organization to new techniques, the incompatibility of tools/packages for data interchange, and the conflicts between the short-term business imperatives versus the long-term benefits of WKIDM. Yet, they fail to present a structured approach to offset these challenges. While this book won’t sway the reader on the value of creating a WKIDM organization, it will give the reader enough information to intelligently discuss the subject of WKIDM. The authors close the book with a “wisdom chapter” and a health check (to determine if an organization needs a WKIDM program) – without presenting a strong conclusion in either direction.

You should read this book if you are; (1) looking for an entry level book on the concepts of information management, (2) trying to understand the ideal role for WKIDM in a corporation, and/or; (3) trying to grasp the acronyms or jargon used by IM professionals. A few times in the book the authors refer to the concepts of Service Management used in the IT Information Library (ITIL). The reader is expected to know and understand the concepts of ITIL before reading this book. This book could be part of additional reading curriculum for MIS students or business leaders without an MIS degree.

In the end, the book levels the playing field, between MIS and non-MIS leaders, and portrays the ideal approach for managing wisdom, knowledge, information and data.”

You can buy a copy of this book from IT Governance here >>

The latest publication from TSO has just been released:

Information Lifecycle Support: Wisdom, Knowledge, Information and Data Management (WKIDM).

This book provides valuable and comprehensive information on ITIL implementation. It examines the effective production, coordination, storage, retrieval, dissemination and management of information from internal and external sources.

Authored by John Higgins and Brian Johnson (and endorsed by the OGC), this book covers a range of subjects:

• Corporate strategy
• Knowledge management relationships
• WKIDM roles
• WKIDM and IS development
• Green IT and sustainability

This title is now available to order from IT Governance EU. Be the first to get your hands on this copy.

Order this best practice title to the effective management of wisdom, knowledge, information and data management today!

No longer do you have to understand ITIL from just reading; you can now watch and listen too. There is a huge variety of short videos across the internet that will allow you to enhance your understanding of this best practice IT service management methodology.  We’ve handpicked out 5 of the best videos:

1. ITIL – A Simple Explanation

 With over 67,000 views, this video has to be one of the most watched ITIL videos. Produced by Compucon, this is a “humorous jargon-free business explanation of ITIL cycles”. Using animated drawings to illustrate ITIL and the service desk, it is visually engaging and explains ITIL in its most simplest form. A great video for ITIL beginners.

2. ITIL v3 training (ENGLISH) online part 1 ITIL Foundation v3 ITIL version 3

Uploaded by ‘ITIL guru’, this video takes you through some of the training for the ITIL Foundation Exam. Although presented with slides, the presenter adds hand drawn images to the video which brings the video to life. Part 2 and 3 can also be found on his YouTube channel.

3. CSU: ITIL v3 Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Originally as a series of study aids for students studying the topic ITI597 with Charles Sturt University, this video has grown dramatically and has received over 20,000 views. It’s informative, educational and  introduces the concept of a service level agreement (SLA) in simple terms.

4. ITIL Version 3 Certification Exam Tips

The sound quality is quite poor and the real ‘nitty gritty’ stuff doesn’t kick in till 2mins 28 seconds in, but the content that ‘riverotter1948′ covers is simply invaluable for those taking the ITIL exams.

5. ITIL 2011 Updates: Continual Service Improvement

A shameless plug we know, but we have just released 5 ITIL 2011 videos on to our YouTube channel; IT Governance Ltd. These ITIL videos are written and presented by IT service management guru and author of USMBOK, Ian Clayton. Ian deciphers the changes and enhancements made to the 5 titles in the ITIL 2011 publications, giving his honest opinion. We’ve included the ITIL 2011 Continual Service Improvement  above, but below are also links to watch Ian decipher the other 4 titles:

• ITIL 2011: Service Strategy
• ITIL 2011: Service Operation
• ITIL 2011: Service Transition
• ITIL 2011: Service Design

IT Governance covers all aspects of services and solutions for ITIL. From official reading materials, to online training courses, IT Governance EU has it covered.

Get up-to-date and order the latest ITIL 2011 titles that was published in earlier this year. The ITIL 2011 Lifecycle Publication Suite is available to order for immediate dispatch from IT Governance EU.

Order your ITIL 2011 suite today >>

You can now shop by language at IT Governance EU. We have a wide range of books in Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Danish available at IT Governance EU. Topics covered within these languages include IT service management and project management.

Shop by your language:

Dutch | German | French | Spanish | Italian | Danish

	Foundations of IT Service Management Price:€39.95 Dutch | German | Italian |

	Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 – 2009 EditionPrice:€86.00 Dutch | French | Spanish | Danish |

Publishers included in this range are Van Haren and OGC, so you can be assured that nothing in the translation process is left out!

Shop by language today! >>

No, we’re not talking literally, well, not yet. But if you hadn’t noticed, the evenings are drawing in, the days are getting colder and we’re all finding ourselves stuck in front of the TV. Be productive this Winter and study with one of our ITIL computer-based training courses – all from the comfort of your own home!

These distance learning courses are:

• Flexible
• Cost-effective
• Supportive
• Interactive

Our ITIL Foundation Computer Based Training Course will allow you a flexible route towards studying for the ITIL version 3 Foundation qualification. This home-based training course includes the ITIL Foundation exam, supporting reading materials and access to ITIL trainers for support and guidance. You will save time and money, allowing you to learn what you want, when you want.

Share	ITIL Foundation Computer Based Training Course Accredited by the APMG Price: £399.00

Includes:

• CD-ROM based training course
• Supporting manual
• Update service
• ITIL trainers on hand for support
• Mock exam simulator
• ITIL Foundation Exam Fee
• ITIL V3 A Pocket Guideworth £14.95
• ITIL V3 Process Modelworth £3.35
• ISO20000 Awareness E-Learning Course worth £149.95

 Order your copy today! >>

If you’re struggling to decide whether to upgrade to the ITIL 2011 Editions, then fear not, Ian Clayton is here to provide you with his honest and expert review on the ITIL 2011 Updates. Ian has given IT Governance exclusive access to to 5 videos that he wrote and presented himself on the ITIL 2011 titles. 

Ian discusses the titles in such a way that will make it easy for you to distinguish the differences between ITIL v3 and ITIL 2011. These videos are designed for those that are curious about ITIL 2011 and want to know more about the changes and enhancements made.

To view these exclusive videos, visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ITGovernanceLtd

Here are a list of the five videos available:

Learn how to scale down ITIL so it can be used in small organisations with the ITIL V3 Small-Scale Implementation.

• Official title – authored by the OGC
• Uses terminology from other ITIL books, making it suitable to use in conjunction with the ITIL Lifecycle Publication Suite
• Provides a source of best practice information

This practical guide (authored by the OGC) instructs you how ITIL can be scaled down and used in smaller organisations. The book follows a step-by-step guide clearly describing the processes you need to go through.

Order ITIL V3 Small-Scale Implementation today >>

The ITIL Lifecycle Publication Suite (Updated 2011 Version) has been out for over a month now and has received rave reviews from IT service management experts. Ian Clayton refers to them as a “much needed updated to its predecessor”.

The suite includes all the core updated (2011) ITIL publications, enabling you to purchase them all in one go, saving you £126over buying these books separately.

Order the ITIL 2011 Suite today and save £126! >>

	ITIL Lifecycle Publication Suite (Updated 2011 Softcover Version) Bought Separately: £425.00 ITIL (2011) Lifecycle Suite £299.00 You Save: £126.00

The update has improved consistency, accessibility and usability of the core publications. The new books include coverage and descriptions of roles and responsibilities, improved process descriptions and are fully aligned with MSP®, M_o_R®, PRINCE2® and P3O®.

Definitions have also been standardised between the books and have been aligned with the glossary, being updated where necessary. Inconsistencies in content and structure have been removed. In Service Strategy particularly, explanations are made more straightforward and accessible.

Order the ITIL 2011 Suite today and save £126! >>

No, unfortunately it can’t pick your children up from school or pay your mortgage, but it can produce a trouble-free approach towards IT Service Management.

Our toolkit (developed by ITSM gurus) contains all the documents needed to help implement ITIL v3, or use ITIL v3 to prepare for successful ISO20000 certification, meaning less work for you. It helps you avoid costly trial-and-error dead-ends and ensures everything is covered by using ITIL best practices.

Download this IT Service Management Documentation Toolkit >>

	IT Service Management Documentation Toolkit IT Service Management Documentation Toolkit is the perfect investment for organisations that want an optimal route to implementing service management best practice.

Download this IT Service Management Documentation Toolkit >>

Taking your ITIL Foundation exam can be a daunting process, which is why preparation is the key to success. If you’re not prepared, if you haven’t revised and if you haven’t taken key steps to coach yourself for the exam, then achieving certification can be a real struggle.

To prepare yourself for the ITIl Foundation exam, there are a number of routes to take. No single one is the ‘right’ option; you just have to decide what the ‘right’ option is for you.

ITIL Foundation Books

If you find studying from  a book easier, then there are a number of great titles to be used as study guides.

• Passing Your ITIL Foundation Exam, Second Edition is the official ITIL v3 foundation study aid. This exam guide provides an overview of the purpose, objectives, and format of the ITIL Version 3 Foundation examination and a mock exam with answers, strengthening your knowledge.
• IT Service Management Foundation Practice Questions: For ITIL V3 Foundation Exam Candidates. This guide provides comprehensive ITILv3 Foundation exam questions which allow you to practice prior to taking the actual exam. Each question is accompanied by an answer as well as key learning points, that should you get the question wrong you learn from the mistake.

Save money and buy our ITIL v3 Foundation Exam Starter Kit, which contains 4 key titles to help you pass your ITIL Foundation Exam:

ITILv3 Foundation Exam Starter Kit contains all the essential revision aids and best books for passing the ITIL v3 Foundation exam.

ITIL Foundation Distance Learning

If you would prefer a more interactive route than books and simply don’t have the time to attend classroom based learning, then try our distance learning courses. As CD-ROM based, they will be able to fit around your needs, meaning you can study at a place and time that suits you.

• ITIL Foundation Computer Based Training Course is an officially accredited course by the APMG for those wanting to study for the ITIL V3 Foundation Exam. It includes a mock exam, pocket guide  supporting manual and ITIL trainers on telephone and email support if you have any questions. This flexible computer based training also includes the ITIL V3 Foundation exam fee, meaning you can book your exam at one of hundreds of test centres worldwide.
• ITIL Foundation Exam Primer (ITILv3, Single-User, CD-ROM) provides multiple practice questions in a mock exam format, allowing you to practice and hone your ITIL Foundation knowledge prior to taking the exam.

Don’t struggle in silence – chose one of the above methods to help you prepare for your ITIL v3 Foundation Exam!