itSMF

itSMF International have released a remarkably frank document describing the ITIL V3 Update. It's also a bit odd: it carries the banner of itSMFI but it is unsigned and undated. And it doesn't answer the question it poses: "ITIL® V3 Update, what are the benefits?"

Having finally had time to read the June itSMF International Board Talk [corrected URL], I must say it is good to see the International Executive Board (IEB) continue to pursue transparency and governance. Perhaps itSMF can climb out of the hole it finds itself in. It remains to be seen whether the results will match the rhetoric, but so far so good. There is one area where I take a differing view: the IEB's attitude to providing services to emerging chapters.

itSMF is planning a new international magazine for itSMF members. What a fantastic idea... at last. It is great to see itSMF finally addressing the lack of international communications and cohesion. This magazine is calling for advertisers, so of course this magazine won't be an additional financial burden on the chapters, right?

It is always illuminating to use COBIT as a benchmark to study ITIL. In recent days, ISACA has announced another solid Board, whilst itSMF continues its infighting (see below), APMG expands its empire, TSO goes its own merry way unanswerable, and OGC tightens control over - and profit from - what everyone thought was public property (blog coming if I can ever unravel it all).

Having recently stumbled on the itSMF International annual report for 2008/2009 (if there was any notification to members I don't recall seeing it, but then I don't recall many things...) I've been having an interested read of the financial accounts. One big question stands out: where does the money come from? In fact I'm left with a few questions after reading the accounts.

The new Chair, David Cannon seems intent on telling us what's going on within itSMF International - this is a great development, long may it continue. Thank-you David. Today we have the first of what will hopefully continue to be regular bulletins, Board Talk ("under the Board Talk..."). Of course the IT Skeptic always finds a few points of interest.

No not here, on the itSMFI website. If you have the slightest interest in the role and direction of itSMF, then go read it and come back here for my comments.

With a new itSMF Board meeting as we speak, perhaps it is salient to review what we got in 2009 as members of itSMF and ISACA, two similar-sized organisations with supposedly similar functions and similar annual membership fees. I've written before about how the two are chalk and cheese, and that remains true.

The itSMF International Executive Board is meeting right now, and has announced the result of the latest Board election to replace the outgoing Sharon Taylor. The new Board member is Marianna Billington, an active member of itSMF New Zealand. And they have elected the new Chair, David Cannon.

Perhaps you too were under the impression that itSMF is about ITSM, i.e. more than just ITIL. Certainly itSMFuk is heavily involved in ISO20000 as well as ITIL. Well not in the good ol' USA.