ITIL 2011 Foundation – what is included

Since the release of ITIL 2011, certain individuals studying for ITIL exams and certifications have expressed anxieties or misgivings about it.  This is predominately due to uncertainties about what’s included or has been outright changed in the 2011 edition.  You can lay your fears to rest; the ITIL 2011 is simply an update, revision or expansion of ITIL V3.  In fact, for anyone that’s been ardently studying the ITIL the arrival of the 2011 edition should be most welcome, as it addresses many of the issues present in other versions.

Here is an excerpt from a summary overview of updates for the 2011 edition, straight from the ITIL update flyers:

“The project mandate was to correct errors, remove inconsistencies and improve clarity and structure. The updated guidance also reflects the authoring team’s responses to reviewer feedback received during the first and second public quality assurance reviews – with contributions from more than 100 reviewers.”  
From the “ITIL – summary of updates” document

The ITIL 2011 edition was essentially released to deal with long standing inconsistencies that have existed in the literature (in terms of characterization or precision).  Many of the recommendations that have been collected and/or put forth since the release of V3 were also addressed in the 2011 update, making it the most comprehensive and accurate ITIL release to date.

This of course brings us to the next logical question with regards to the 2011 edition; what will the foundation program for it actually include?  The ITIL 2011 foundation program is going to be extremely similar to previous incarnations, particularly the V3.  However, as previously noted, the materials that the program is based upon have been slightly altered, or in some cases entirely new sections have been added.  As with many other comprehensive technical reference / guidebooks, ITIL uses a system of continuous reintegration of ideas and concepts in order to acclimatize the absolute best of what’s available at any given time with its other proven resources.

The benefits of the 2011 training program are many nevertheless, and those participating in this particular foundation program will certainly have a leg up on those focusing on older editions of the same materials.   For example, great effort has been made to make ITIL 2011 the most consistently accurate (from publication to publication) edition to date.  This is a most welcome development and helps students to avoid unnecessary confusion due to miscommunication.  This is not to say that any of the actual meanings behind materials found in previous editions have been altered in any way, just that they have been supplemented by more easily digestible language, and with more practical examples.

Many elements and descriptions found in previous versions that were found to be overly mystifying have also been addressed and repurposed, the intent being to increase the overall clarity of the subject matter at hand.  Those with an interest in the ITIL 2011 foundation program should also take solace in the fact that the ITIL 2011 itself features advice, feedback and recommendations put forth by prominent individuals and groups.

So, not only have additional technical developments been properly addressed in this version, but many of the emergent policies and strategies have also been included as well.  This of course means that participants in the 2011 foundation program will be the most up-to-date and prepared individuals with regards to ITIL-related practices and methods.  This is especially important for individuals that are seeking to enter the workforce on the best possible footing, or in a highly competitive environment. Thought it may not be a deciding factor for most employers, some will be noticeably impressed with job candidates that possess the latest qualifications / certifications (V3 vs. 2011).

While it is most certainly true that completion of any ITIL foundation training program can only lead to increased opportunities and solutions for IT-related qualms, it is always more advantageous to be as up-to-date as possible.  This is especially true in the field of IT service or management, where hardware, software and even technical solutions are frequently updated and/or replaced entirely (often at a moments notice).    In this way, ITIL 2011 represents the continuing evolution of the best practices, processes and methods inherent in IT work.