It’s hard to deny the power of technology in these times. Wherever you look, whatever you choose to do, it seems that technology has a hold over us, and it’s not planning on letting us go.
That is why the long standing denial and dependence of businesses on Information Technology should be long forgotten, and it is best acknowledged in the utmost clarity. For twenty years now, the
The ITIL process is a great framework for budding company that may be IT based or in need of guidance on how to properly instil basic IT functions for their firms. With this structured based knowledge, it is inevitable that business owners should clarify the position of IT through adapting the Service Level Management (SLM) on their business operations.
SLM is one of the pivotal processes of Continual Service Improvement (CSI). SLM helps guide the foundation and structure of the demands and services of both business owners and the IT provider. Here’s a quick look of the different SLM steps:
Acknowledge the existence of the IT organization
One of the first things that need to be ironed out between the client and the IT firm is the full acceptance and acknowledgement that the IT organization would be the service provider for the company.
Map out clearly defined service level requirements
It is necessary for the service provider to have a complete list of the services that they can offer the company by presenting an internal portfolio of their services. A service catalogue that has the complete list of the various internal functions with their corresponding descriptions can help the customers understand how their company can be a better fit for their services.
Finding out existing contractual relationships
To avoid any legal troubles, it is best to make sure that your client is not involve in any existing contractual agreement with a different external service provider.
Make a Service Improvement Plan (SIP)
An effective SLM should provide the client with a great overview of the various great possibilities that they can acquire when they undertake the services of the IT firm. As CSI is tasked to monitor various business operations, it would be easier to find out which applications can further enhance the productivity of the company.
With a definitive SLM set in place, the presence of IT can no longer be taken for granted. As it clearly lists the functions, relationships, operations and services that they can offer, SLM makes it easier for the client to fully realize the potential of the business, and how they can be greatly improved by the service provider.
With a detailed description of their expectations and the list of possible services agreed upon by both parties, along with the demands of both the IT provider and the business owner are clearly described in the SLM, it can be guaranteed that success can be both achieved by the business owners and the IT provider.
