In this article, I will talk to you about the history of ITIL. So, let’s get started! First of all, the history of ITIL begins in 1972 when IBM begins researching quality service provision called Information Systems Management Architecture (ISMA). Later, in 1980, IBM publishes Volume I of the IBM Management series, called “A Business Information Management System”.
Around 1986, the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) granted a program to expand a set of operational guidelines. In summary, it aimed to increase efficiency in government. In 1988, the “Government Infrastructure Management Method (GITMM)” eventually became formalized and published as “guidelines” for the UK Government’s IT operations.
Until then, these Service Level Management (SLM) guides had a focus. Still, in the same year, the development team expanded and worked on cost, capacity, and availability management. The following year, the GITMM title became scarce because it was no longer analyzed as a method. As a result, its letter G was removed, marking the beginning of work outside the government sphere. However, there was a name change to ITIL. This is where the history of ITIL gains more meaning and substance.
From 1989 to 1991 – important years for ITIL
In 1989, the first book of “ITIL” was launched and published, featuring Service Level Management. Subsequently, Help Desk (combining Incident Management concepts), Contingency Planning, and Change Management were launched. Just to illustrate, the books had between 50-70 pages.
In 1990, IT Service Management processes for Problem Management, Configuration Management, and Cost Management were published. Shortly after, in 1991, Software Control and Distribution were included in their publications, and in 1992, Availability Management.
Also, in 1991, the IT Information Management Forum (ITIMF) was created for user learning and idea exchange. Shortly after, in mid-1997, the group changed its name to IT Service Management Forum (itSMF).
Today, it has members worldwide, and its reputation continues to grow through its chapters in major cities.
The second version of ITIL emerged between the 1990s and 2004
With ten books, this version aimed to create a connection between technology and business. But with a focus on the processes needed and effectively delivering services to business customers. In ITIL v2, the two most used books were “Service Support” and “Service Delivery.” The publications were generated in the following order:
- 2000: Service Support v2 published, 306 pages;
- 2001: Service Delivery v2 published, 376 pages;
- 2001: CCTA became part of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC);
- 2002: Application Management published, 158 pages. Planned to implement IT Service Management, with 208 pages and ICT Infrastructure Management, with 283 pages;
- 2003: Software Asset Management published, 146 pages;
- 2004: Business Perspective published, 180 pages;
- 2006: (June) ITIL v2 Glossary published. British Standard 15000, a formal IT service management standard, was developed based largely on ITIL practices. This standard was followed by national standards in several countries, including the ISO 20000:2005 standard, which gained rapid global recognition and adoption.
Other Updates
In June 2006, APM Group Limited was announced as the preferred candidate for accreditation and certification of the ITIL program, during the itSMF International event, where it emerged as the winner.
In May 2007, OGC initiated and published the second-largest revision of ITIL, version 3. This was in recognition of technological advancements and emerging challenges faced by service providers. Thus, the OGC became the former owner of best practice management.
Up until then, it had been the guardian of these best practices on behalf of the UK Government since 2000.
In June 2010, the Government Cabinet Minister announced a reorganization of some government activities and confirmed that Best Practice Management functions had moved to the Cabinet Office, which is also part of the UK Government.
In 2011, there was another release, this time the ITIL library with the new 2011 version. This update was intended to improve consistency and navigation of the content.
Some topics were reorganized for better information flow and clarity, but also to ensure alignment across the suite – including standardization of interfaces, inputs, and outputs throughout the service lifecycle.
The terminologies were more detailed, and the concepts became more consistent among publications, including a revision of the Glossary. This was released simultaneously in six languages.
ITIL 4
Finally, in 2019, ITIL 4 was launched. In this version, the core elements of ITIL remain unchanged. Furthermore, the update includes practical standards on how to model and adapt your IT management strategy in a more modern and increasingly complex environment.
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