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Chapter 6 ■ Service Transition
When the release and deployment management provides ample proof that the testing
has been successful, the change management provides authorization to store the code/
software in the DML. DML is explained in detail later in this chapter.
6.4.2.3.3 Deployment
The results of the release and deployment testing are brought before the CAB once again,
and the results are vetted for possible complications and unseen bugs. When the CAB
and change management are happy with what they see, they authorize it for deployment
during the planned change window.
Deployment is a common term for implementation. It could include retiring of
services or transferring services to another service provider as well. For simplicity, I’ll just
refer to it as deployment.
Deployment of release packages is a specialized skill and calls for alignment of a
number of parameters. There are a number of approaches to the release package. The
big-bang approach is used when all the CIs are targeted to receive the package at the
same time. Say there are 10,000 workstations that need to be pushed with a security
patch. All 10,000 systems will receive the release package during the same window.
This method is rarely employed as it has the ability to choke the network. And, if there
are any mishaps, all the targeted systems could be affected, causing severe damage
for the customer. The most popular approach is a phased approach, where the release
is staggered through multiple phases to minimize complications and avoid network
choke. In the same example involving 10,000 systems, it could be phased to target 1,000
systems a day, and to run the entire release cycle for ten days. Further details on release
deployment is outside the scope of ITIL Foundation exam and this book.
6.4.2.3.4 Review and Close
After deployment, the release and deployment management process conducts a review to
check the performance of the release and assesses the targets achieved. Lessons learned
are documented in the KMDB. The release is closed after the review.
6.4.3 Service Asset and Configuration Management
Service asset and configuration management (SACM) is one of the most critical processes
in the ITIL Framework. This process acts as a foundation/prerequisite for all other
operational and transitional processes to carry out their respective objectives.
6.4.3.1 Service Assets and Configuration Items
There are two parts to this process: service assets and configuration items.
Service assets are individual elements that make up a service. In Chapter 2, I
discussed service assets. The ten service assets are managed under this process. The
entire lifecycle of the service assets, beginning with initiation, the changes it undergoes,
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