The ITIL V3 best practice guidelines are based on the concept of a lifecycle. The five phases of the service lifecycle are similar with the five ITIL V3 publications. Each stage works in allowing service companies to think about, design the services, decide, deliver and support the IT and business-related services their clients require. Imagine it as a wheel on which service companies travel on while operating, with the need to improve continuously. Are you interested in becoming an ITIL specialist? Take a look at ITIL certification and then get certified.
The five phases of the ITIL lifecycle of a service
What happens during every one of these five phases of the lifecycle of a service? Here's a brief overview using ITIL 2011's ITIL 2011 glossary:
Strategy for Service strategy"defines the view that defines the position, plans, and strategies that a provider has to implement to achieve the company's objectives."
Designing for service "includes the design of services, practices, procedures and guidelines to carry out the strategies of the service provider as well as to make it easier for the introduction of services into environments that support them."
Transition of services "ensures that any new, modified or retired services are in line with the requirements of the business , as stated within the strategy for service delivery and design phases in the service lifecycle."
The Service Operation "coordinates and manages the necessary processes and actions to manage and deliver services at a level that is agreed upon with customers and business users. Service operation also oversees the technology used to provide and maintain services."
Continuous improvements to service (CSI) "ensures it is guaranteed that IT services are in line with evolving business requirements by making enhancements in IT services that help support businesses processes."