The ITIL v3 Software Endorsement Scheme enables software tool vendors to submit their ITIL based software tools for assessment by a Licensed Software Assessor. Successful assessments will permit the tool vendors to use the 'ITIL Swirl' logo accompanied by the words 'Process Compliant' and either 'Bronze', 'Silver' or 'Gold', which denote the level of assessment achieved. The level definitions are:
- Bronze - the tool has not been purchased by a customer
- Silver - the tool has at least three customers who have deployed the product
- Gold - the tool has a least three customers that have implemented and are using the tool. Proof of customer implementation is required
Potential ITIL V3 Software tool vendors will be able to choose which Licensed Software Assessor they want to use according to the assessment process held by each Licensed Software Assessor.
A Licensed Software Assessor must successfully pass an audit. Assessors must meet eligibility criteria and include certain core assessment criteria within their assessment models. Once licensed the Software Assessor will be monitored to ensure they are working to standards set by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), the owners of ITIL. Licensed Software Assessors will be permitted to use the 'ITIL Swirl' logo accompanied by the words ''Licensed Software Assessors'. Currently there is only one Licensed Software Assessor in the world.
The software endorsement scheme permits consumers to buy and use ITIL based software tools with confidence, knowing the software has been reviewed for compliance with ITIL V3. In addition consumers are provided with usability assurance, whilst software vendors are provided with the ability to show compliance with ITIL processes.
A pilot launch of the scheme is planned for late Summer 2009, with a final launch in the Autumn 2009. The lack of specific dates and with vague reference to seasonal dates, it could be assumed that there is still a quantity of work to be completed.
One final area that remains unclear is how the scheme fits with a similar and long established service offered by Pink Elephant, known as 'Pink Verify'. We wonder at ITILnews how Pink Elephant feel by the launch of such a service from the OGC.
If you have any comments or can provide further clarification then please do not hesitate to contact ITILnews via the comments box below....