Key Advantages of FitSM®

FitSM® differs from other (IT) service management frameworks and standards in several key ways. Here’s a comparison of FitSM® with some other popular frameworks and standards, including some key advantages of FitSM®.

FitSM® vs. ITIL®

The FitSM® standard has several advantages over the Information Technology Infrastructure Library® (ITIL®).

Complexity: FitSM® is much simpler and more lightweight than ITIL®.
Scope: ITIL® is comprehensive, covering a wide range of processes, while FitSM® focuses on core processes essential for research and education organizations.
Speed: A typical FitSM implementation lasts not as long as an ITIL implementation given that ITIL has more than double the number of processes and its comprehensiveness.
Flexibility: FitSM® offers more flexibility in implementation, while ITIL® can be more prescriptive.
Training: Expert level FitSM® certification can be achieved in just 7 days, while comparable ITIL® certification levels last double or more the amount of time and are more costly. Furthermore, FitSM® credentials never expire, while ITIL’s do expire and are to be upheld or renewed.
Auditable: The FitSM® standard allows for audits of its service management system, while ITIL®, it being a framework, is not auditable.
Maturity levels: FitSM® has three maturity levels, while ITIL® doesn’t explicitly define maturity levels.

FitSM® vs. ISO/IEC 20000®

Comparing both the FitSM® standard and the ISO/IEC 20000® standard can best be summed up as follows:

Purpose: ISO/IEC 20000® is a formal and comprehensive standard for service management, while FitSM® is a lightweight standard.
Compatibility: FitSM® is designed to be compatible with ISO/IEC 20000®, making it a potential stepping stone towards certification.
Auditable: Both standards are auditable. ISO/IEC 20000® certification audits are performed by Registered Certification Bodies following the ISO requirements for management system audits, while FitSM® audits can be conducted by FitSM® Expert & Audit certified individuals.

FitSM® vs. COBIT®

Comparing FitSM® with COBIT® leads to the following results:

Focus: COBIT® is broader, covering IT governance and management, while FitSM® specifically targets service management.
Applicability: COBIT® is more suited to larger enterprises, while FitSM® is suitable for organizations of any size.

FitSM® can be seen as a good starting point for organizations starting the service management implementation efforts, or as a complementary standard to be used alongside more comprehensive frameworks like ITIL® or standards such as ISO/IEC 20000®.