I’ve read/heard so much information about Cloud Computing vs. ITIL that it’s an understatement in saying that this is a “hot topic.”  In fact, this discussion thread may be hotter even the iPhone vs. Android debate (which I ignore because I have a Blackberry and will be unfailingly loyal to them…until the iPhone comes out for Verizon or there’s a good CDMA/GSM Android phone).  Anyway, I’m ready to give my opinion on this topic, and not just because I want this post Tweeted to just about everyone that reads #itil or #itsm hashes.  Without further adieu, here goes…

When it comes to Cloud Computing vs. ITIL I think people are missing the big, and obvious, fact that Cloud Computing is a technology while ITIL is a framework.  Maybe I’m just simple-minded, but what’s all the argument about?  Ok, so Cloud Computing (CC from now on, since I hate to type) means that servers and infrastructure changes can be deployed rapidly and the engineers will hate Change Management.  So what?  Engineers have always hated Change Management and the (sometimes) rigid framework known as ITIL.  But since ITIL is a framework, changes can be made to incorporate this technology, just like it needs to be able to work with DevOps or social networking.  And as usual, not every single process or policy in ITIL needs to be implemented.  It’s a collection of “good practice” that doesn’t, and isn’t, perfect for everyone.  My opinion is that CC fantastic and even though it’s still rising on the hype curve, it’s something that is here to stay in IT.  So ITIL’ers – get used to it.  CC champions – Change Management is a good thing so quit complaining.  I mean really, can’t we all just get along?

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Started working in IT in 1999 as a support desk analyst as a way to help pay for food during college. Studied Electrical Engineering for two years before realizing biochemistry was more fun than differential equations, and so ultimately graduated with a Biology degree in 2006. Having (reluctantly) failed at getting accepted into dental school, embraced working in IT and has gone broke becoming an ITIL Expert. Likes to jog, sing camp songs, quote Mel Brooks movie lines and make dumb jokes and loves working for an Israeli tech company where December 25th is a regular work day.