The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a globally recognized collection of best practices for information technology (IT) service management. The United Kingdom's Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) created ITIL in response to growing dependence on information technology for meeting business needs and goals. ITIL provides businesses with a customizable framework of best practices to achieve quality service and overcome difficulties associated with the growth of IT systems. Hewlett-Packard Co. and Microsoft are two businesses that use ITIL as part of their own best practices frameworks.
ITIL is organized into "sets" of books which are defined by related functions: service strategy, service design, managerial, service transition, service operation and continual service improvement. software. In addition to the books, which can be purchased online, ITIL services and products include training, qualifications, software tools and user groups such as the IT Service Management Forum (itSMF).
ITIL is currently maintained and developed by the United Kingdom’s Office of Government Commerce.