Difference Between ITIL and ITSM

[rushi9499]

ITSM (IT Service Management) and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) are two related but distinct concepts in the world of IT operations and service delivery.​

• ITSM is the overall practice or discipline of managing IT services within an organization. It encompasses all the processes, activities, and policies required to design, deliver, manage, and improve IT services in alignment with business goals. ITSM focuses on efficiency, customer service, and integrating IT into business processes.​

• ITIL is a specific framework within the broader ITSM field. ITIL provides a set of best practices, structured processes, and guidelines for managing IT services through their entire lifecycle (including service strategy, design, transition, operation, and continual improvement). ITIL is used to improve the quality, efficiency, and consistency of IT services by providing detailed guidance on how to implement ITSM successfully.
  

Key Differences Table :

Aspect	ITSM	ITIL
Definition	A discipline for managing and delivering IT services.	A framework of best practices for implementing ITSM.
Scope	Broad – covers all aspects of IT service management.	Specific – focuses on standardized ITSM processes.
Focus	Aligning IT services with business needs and improving service delivery.	Providing detailed guidance and structured processes for ITSM.
Flexibility	Flexible – can use multiple frameworks (e.g., ITIL, etc).	More prescriptive – offers standardized guidelines.
Purpose	To manage IT services efficiently and effectively.	To offer best practices for achieving ITSM goals.
Relationship	ITSM is the practice or approach.	ITIL is a framework used to implement ITSM.