ITIL/COBIT Framework

🧩 1. ITIL Framework

(Information Technology Infrastructure Library)

🔹 What is ITIL?

  • ITIL is a framework for IT Service Management (ITSM).
  • It helps align IT services with business needs.
  • Goal: Deliver value to customers and ensure continuous improvement.
  • Widely used by banks and IT service companies to maintain quality service.

🔹 5 Phases of the ITIL Service Lifecycle

PhasePurposeKey Terms / Focus
1. Service StrategyDecide what services to offer and why.Value creation, Service Portfolio, Financial Management.
2. Service DesignDesign services to meet business needs.Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Capacity & Availability Management.
3. Service TransitionBuild and deploy new or changed services.Change Management, Release & Deployment Management.
4. Service OperationManage day-to-day IT services.Incident, Problem & Event Management.
5. Continual Service Improvement (CSI)Review and improve services regularly.PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle.

🔹 Important ITIL Processes

ProcessMeaning
Incident ManagementFix issues quickly and restore service ASAP.
Problem ManagementFind root causes to prevent future incidents.
Change ManagementManage changes safely with minimum risk.

🧠 Memory Tip:

ITIL = Service Lifecycle (SDTOS) → Strategy → Design → Transition → Operation → CSI


🧩 2. COBIT Framework

(Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies)

🔹 What is COBIT?

  • A framework for IT Governance and Management.
  • Ensures IT supports business goals and delivers value.
  • Used by banks and regulators to make sure IT is controlled, compliant, and effective.

🔹 Key Principles of COBIT

PrincipleMeaning
1. Meeting Stakeholder NeedsAlign IT objectives with business goals.
2. Covering the Enterprise End-to-EndApply governance to all IT processes.
3. Single Integrated FrameworkWorks with other standards (e.g., ISO, ITIL).
4. Holistic ApproachFocus on 7 enablers — People, Policies, Processes, Information, Culture, Services, Infrastructure.
5. Separation of Governance & ManagementGovernance = Decide direction; Management = Execute tasks.

🧠 Memory Tip:

COBIT = Control + Governance = Alignment of IT & Business


🔹 COBIT 5 Domains (Main Areas)

DomainFocus Area
Governance of Enterprise IT (GEIT)Evaluate, Direct, Monitor (EDM).
Align, Plan, Organize (APO)Strategy & planning.
Build, Acquire, Implement (BAI)Building and implementing solutions.
Deliver, Service, Support (DSS)Delivering and maintaining IT services.
Monitor, Evaluate, Assess (MEA)Checking performance and compliance.

🧠 Memory Tip:

COBIT Domains = EDM → APO → BAI → DSS → MEA


⚖️ 3. ITIL vs COBIT – Key Differences

AspectITILCOBIT
Full FormInformation Technology Infrastructure LibraryControl Objectives for Information and Related Technologies
FocusIT Service ManagementIT Governance & Control
ApproachOperational – “How IT delivers services”Strategic – “How IT aligns with business”
PurposeDeliver quality IT servicesEnsure IT adds value and meets goals
Used ByIT service managers, helpdesk, operationsTop management, auditors, governance teams
ExampleManaging incidents, changes, problemsSetting IT policies, compliance, audit framework

🧠 Quick Trick:

ITIL = How IT Works
COBIT = Why IT Works (and under whose control)


4. Super Quick Revision Keywords

FrameworkCore IdeaKeywords
ITILIT Service ManagementStrategy → Design → Transition → Operation → CSI
COBITIT Governance & ControlEDM → APO → BAI → DSS → MEA

In One Line Summary:

ITIL focuses on efficient service delivery,
while COBIT ensures IT governance and compliance.
Together, they help banks and organizations deliver reliable IT services that are secure, compliant, and aligned with business goals.