Richard Pharro, CEO, The APM Group, said in a statement “The launch into pilot stage for the ITIL software scheme is a period of intensive activity for everyone involved. During this stage, vendors and assessors who are interested in the scheme work with us to assess the scheme and ensure it is robust and fit for purpose. The scheme will be fully operational in Q4 2009.”

The new software endorsement scheme allows software tool vendors to submit their ITIL based software tools for assessment to a licensed software assessor (LSA). Successful recommendations entitle tool vendors to use the official process compliant ITIL swirl logo. Pharro confirmed the following vendors are involved in the pilot: CA, BMC, IBM and Intasoft.

Software Tool Vendors

OGC’s ITIL software scheme enables tool vendors to apply to LSAs for a recommendation on their product. Software tools are assessed on three levels:

Bronze: The product has passed the assessment, but has not been purchased by a customer.

Silver: The product has at least three “in production” customers. Proof of product order by customer is required (on letter headed paper) stating the tool is deployed in production.

Gold: Product has a least three "in production" customers that have implemented and are using the product. Proof of customer implementation of the audited product from the customer (letters on letter headed paper) endorsing their use of it is required with at least one piece of user evidence.

The APM Group will grant the successful tool vendor a trade mark license with the right to use the relevant process compliant ITIL swirl logo. Tools are assessed according to the assessment process held by each LSA which will contain defined and agreed minimum assessment criteria for each ITIL process.

Licensed Software Assessors

In order to become an LSA, an organization must successfully pass an audit. They can then assess tools and forward recommendations to The APM Group. LSA must meet eligibility criteria and include certain core assessment criteria within their assessment models. They are monitored to ensure they are working to standards set by OGC. Tool vendors will be able to choose which LSA they want to assess their product.

Applications to become a LSA are now sought.

OGC is releasing the ITIL software scheme in three stages:

• The operational pilot began at the end of April 2009. Applications from organizations to become LSAs were invited. Documentation regarding process and procedure of assessments and audits was developed with newcomers to the scheme.
• Pilots commence in September 2009.
• In autumn 2009 the full scheme will be available and all documentation approved.

If you require further information please contact servicedesk@apmgroupltd.com.