PRINCE2 or ITIL? Understanding the qualification processes

IT professionals are often looking for ways to boost their skill sets, with project and service management qualifications commonly the best approaches.

Of course, there are a number of options that can make choosing the right program hard. That's why this article will explore two qualifications, and the qualification processes for both.

ITIL and PRINCE2

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) are two of the most popular qualifications, and recognised by organisations around the world. This is for good reason too, as they're able to offer a framework that can be applied to nearly any project, whether it's implementing a new IT installation or even something like organising a conference.

ITIL is the most recognised framework for IT service management, and is really a set of 'best practices' for managing IT services within an organisation. ITIL can be used to continually improve effectiveness, quality and cost management, and is now being used for more than simply IT-based projects.

PRINCE2, on the other hand, is designed to manage projects and improve performance where required. Its focus is centred more on process-based methodology, and providing detailed guidance on delivering successful projects.

How PRINCE2 and ITIL can be used together

Though they can be used separately, both qualifications are used well together. For example, if a business is seeking to implement ITIL across the organisation, it's essentially becoming a 'project'. PRINCE2 can then be used to handle the entire management process. By using the methodologies learned during the qualification process, effective ITIL integration is assured.

Understanding how both can be used to work together can help businesses and IT professionals, and ensure projects are implemented smoothly.

The qualification process

Once the benefits of both are understood, and IT professionals have narrowed down the one that best suits their needs, it's time to assess the qualification process. It's important to undertake comprehensive courses that offer the smoothest progression.

Below, the qualification process for both PRINCE2 and ITIL will be explained. Understanding how the process works before commencing education can make each stage easier to understand.

What's the qualification process for PRINCE2?

PRINCE2 offers a number of courses for IT professionals, each taking place over a number of days and offering distinct education opportunities. The starting point is the practitioner certificate, which can be used by professionals to master the PRINCE2 framework. It's useful for those looking to become a consultant or even a trainer.

Foundation Certification: This offers a basic understanding of the framework, and is suitable for those who require an understanding of the project management methodology. This is a course suitable for team leaders or those considering moving into the project management field.

Practitioner Prep: This stage is designed for those who have completed the foundation certificate, but want to upgrade to a practitioner level. The stage details how theory can be put into practice.

Directing a Project: This shorter course is designed to give members of a project board or critical stakeholders an understanding of the context and purpose of the methodology.

What's the qualification process for ITIL?

ITIL has a number of courses that can be utilised called 'Lifecycle modules'. These focus on a range of different areas, and are quite comprehensive.

Free standing qualifications are also available, such as one that provides a business and management level understanding of the ITIL core lifecycle. It also deals with how it might be implemented to enhance IT service provision within an organisation.

IT professionals need to consider the value of these qualifications, and how they offer lasting career benefits. While they do offer distinct differences in terms of both the qualification process and where they can be used, they're also able to be used together.

Communicating the need for IT security to executives

A common challenge for many IT professionals is not necessarily putting an effective security system in place, but actually communicating the benefits of this system to executives. Often, neglect can lead to compromises in security.

Enterprises need to understand the necessity of IT security, especially given the chance of a malicious attack occurring. These often cause financial damage and affect reputation – important factors for an enterprise. In order to make security an enterprise priority, IT professionals need to have a plan for communication.

“Executive decision makers want to know the business is adequately protected against risk but need to weigh the risks of yesterday and today against the opportunities of tomorrow,” a Gartner report explained.

A plan is actually quite simple to implement, and Gartner has taken the lead by outlining several steps for businesses.

Formalise security programs

Businesses are likely already familiar with formalising programs, as many within an enterprise need to be both repeatable and measurable. An IT security program, when formalised, should cover governance, planning, building and operating.

Demonstrate value

Executives are almost always focused on driving business growth, and won’t want to hear from a professional about the risks of security negligence. As such, taking the time to demonstrate the value of a program is the best approach.

Measure maturity

A maturity scale is able to measure the security program, and identify gaps for improvement. This scale is also useful for executives, as it’s easily understandable.

The value of certifications

While it’s often difficult to convince managers, it can be even more challenging to ensure security systems have been put in place effectively. This is where certifications like SABSA are invaluable.

This security architecture is one of the most successful in the world, and is an open-use best practice method for delivering cohesive information security solutions. Once a foundation course has been undertaken, professionals will be able to more effectively handle the security needs of an organisation.

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Effective governance and Big Data

Organisations today no doubt understand the necessity of IT governance, especially when it comes to data.

Big Data is perhaps one of the most significant technologies to affect information management, and it's essential that businesses understand the importance of effective governance.

A failure to manage Big Data could cause significant trouble for an organisation, including security issues such as compromises in data security.

This article will explore the various considerations for Big Data governance in a modern businesses, and why mastering data management should become a top priority. In many cases, effective data management is relatively straightforward to implement.

For many companies – and even IT security professionals – a course focusing on IT governance could be a useful investment. 

Governance for Big Data

Ensuring governance over Big Data starts with breaking down data management into several key areas. In this way, the task of managing such vast quantities of information doesn't overwhelm the company. When control over data management falters, it's easier for security breaches to occur and information to be lost.

Here are the various considerations for companies looking to put Big Data governance measures into effect.

Establishing a data overview

Big Data means dealing with a substantial quantity of information, often many times greater than what's ever been handled previously by a company. While the trend is essentially managing large sets of information, the sheer quantity can be overwhelming.

The first step in an effective governance strategy should focus on mastering an overview of all available data within the organisation. This means collating every piece of information into a defined storage structure and adding any other sorting controls.

For example, companies may add meta tags in order to speed up the location of necessary information.

Eliminating unnecessary information

Though the trend is called Big Data, it doesn't mean unnecessary information should be maintained by the company. As part of the governance process, steps should be taken to eliminate information that's only going to create a more cumbersome data repository.

It's important that enterprises seek out data sets that are unnecessary for the company moving forward. If particular sets of information could possibly be required at some point in the future, it may be prudent to maintain these in a separate location.

Unnecessary data may also stem from additions to an original data set. For example, a repository of information from a customer study may pass through a number of departments within a company, with each adding information that's duplicated or has little value.

Bringing the data sets down to exactly what's required is an important step, and can help to reduce costs in the long run.

Placing an emphasis on security

IT security is not solely limited to Big Data, but all areas of the technical operations of a company. However, it can be easier for security issues to manifest when dealing with large data sets, as the quantity of information can make management an issue.

An issue for Big Data security is the quantity of information. Older systems and technologies designed to handle small data sets that are largely static are often unable to cope with the massive amount of information on hand.

In addition, traditional analytical systems are often unable to handle this data. Businesses need to understand that new security methods are needed to ensure effective security and, as such, data governance.

Data governance

By considering the above, organisations can ensure Big Data governance regardless of the amount of information used by the company. Effective Big Data governance can be boiled down to eliminating unnecessary information, applying any necessary management systems to ensure an effective overview, and handling security on an ongoing basis.

Big Data is able to assist businesses in a variety of ways and certainly needs to be considered. Governance, however, will have to become a primary focus.

Effectively preparing for mobile implementation

Enterprises no doubt understand the immense value of mobile devices, especially when it comes to areas such as staff communication and collaboration.

New tablets and smartphones released over recent years have changed how modern enterprises operate, often increasing the outreach of businesses.

A new study from ABI Research has outlined further changes are on the way, in part due to the robust growth of the mobile internet market. Mobile internet is essentially the enabler behind mobile device growth, as it makes it possible to stay connected  with a company regardless of physical location.

Enhanced network capacity

Mobile data subscriptions, as well as significantly enhanced network capacity, will be primary drivers of global mobile internet service revenue over the next few years. The ABI study found revenue is likely to reach US$456.7 billion by 2019.

Stronger mobile data capabilities can enhance connectivity for enterprise mobile users, for example increasing the number of services that can be accessed remotely. Anything from email access to full cloud file storage can be utilised through capable mobile connections.

What's more, services could in fact become cheaper in the near future, if current trends continue. In Western Europe, ABI says declining profits will have an effect.

"Facing continued price pressure driven by the competitive mobile market, mobile carriers have had to take on higher subscriber retention and acquisition costs to support their market positions," explained Marina Lu, a research analyst at ABI Research.

Implementing mobile devices

Enterprises need to integrate mobile devices into operations, but efforts can be hampered by failure to do so correctly. Project management training and certifications, like PRINCE2, are a necessity for the IT professionals in charge of deployments. Equipped with the right training, they're able to more effectively handle the entire process.

Using PRINCE2 is one of the best options, and can be utilised not just in mobile deployments, but also other projects within the enterprise.

Gartner: IT spending to grow

IT security needs to become one of the most important areas of focus for modern businesses, especially given the growth of malicious threats. Failure to ensure appropriate security could lead businesses to face data breaches and other cyber attacks.

In a new study, research organisation Gartner has detailed the growth of IT security spending. The primary reason, according to the organisation, is that companies are growing an awareness of threats.

Gartner predicts that spending will reach US$71.1 billion 2014, representing an increase of 7.9 per cent over 2013. Within this sector, data loss prevention is expected to record the fastest growth.

Failure to ensure security

Enterprises are no-doubt well aware of the risks of ignoring security, with data breaches and cyber attacks a common outcome. In many cases, businesses can be significantly set back, with damage to both reputation and finances.

While finances can be recovered, businesses may struggle to regain the trust of employees, leading to significant problems further down the line.

The Nexus of Forces

"[The Nexus of Forces is] creating new opportunities to improve effectiveness, particularly as a result of better understanding security threats by using contextual information and other security intelligence," said Gartner  Research Director Lawrence Pingree.

"This has led to increased awareness among organisations that would have traditionally treated security as an IT function and a cost centre."

This Nexus of Forces is essentially mobile, cloud and social technologies, which Gartner often group together when referring to growth.

Considering training

Growth in security threats should serve as a reminder of the value of IT security training. Courses handling SABSA, TOGAF and CISSP should be considered in order to effectively secure an organisation over the next few years.

Failure to put security measures in place could result in financial damage and reputation issues.

The necessity of security, risk and enterprise courses

Security within the IT sector needs to become a paramount consideration for businesses, especially given the substantial number of data breaches announced on a regular basis. These cyber attacks have the potential to cause significant financial and reputational damage to an organisation.

As such, IT security courses should become a priority for all levels of the organisation. Here are several training courses which enterprises need to consider to ensure effective security.

TOGAF

A number of organisations use TOGAF to improve business efficiency, and it can be an extremely useful framework when it comes to security as well. Using such a methodology for security can help enterprises to identify areas that are lacking within the IT structure.

TOGAF training takes users through realistic enterprise scenarios and provides enough information for users to gain certification.

SABSA Foundation

This is the most successful security architecture in the world, and can be extremely useful when it comes to best practice security solutions. By utilising SABSA, the security needs of an organisation are met in full, and ongoing support becomes substantially easier.

SABSA Advanced A1: Risk, Assurance & Governance is designed for security professionals, and can assist them in developing advanced competency in regards to business risk, assurance and governance structures. The skills gained here can be deployed in a number of situations.

CISSP

Another exceptional security qualification, CISSP is based on the Common Body of Knowledge, which itself compromises 10 subject domains. These are compiled and maintained through a substantial peer review process which is managed by experts within the field.

The wealth of knowledge here can be vital when approaching new security issues within the organisation, as it can establish a strong framework for a combination of problems.

It's important to understand the importance of proper training, frameworks and knowledge bases when dealing with cyber security.

Often, systems are more secure and ongoing maintenance is a more manageable process.

Considering the value of third platform technologies

There's no shortage of new technology endeavours for organisations to adopt in the modern IT environment, but there are several that offer real benefits for operations. It's essential to consider how these new trends can affect both the day-to-day and long term objectives of an enterprise.

The Third Platform of IT is one such endeavour, and offers significant benefits for businesses. It's important to understand exactly what it encompasses and where it's being utilised, as well as the value of the appropriate training.

What is the Third Platform?

The so-called Third Platform of IT is a computing term that's been defined by a number of organisations. The International Data Corporation (IDC) explains it as a centre of innovation and growth that's built on a number of new technologies and processes. For example cloud services, mobile devices and Big Data.

In recent years it's seen stronger growth, especially as the underlying systems are so powerful. The cloud, mobile and Big Data are each able to increase the visibility of organisations, the access to previously-unknown knowledge and communication outreach.

Coupled together, it's easy to see how growth can be so significant. As each technology continues to advance, there's no doubt going to be an even larger focus on utilising the Third Platform in a number of business sectors.

A focus on the Middle East and Africa

Proliferation of Third Platform technologies ins't limited to one particular market, and in fact is certain to see a substantial uptake in developing regions. It's often here where these new technologies have the greatest impact, due to their low or even non-existent capital costs and ability to scale when required.

New research from the IDC has shown that government organisations within the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are struggling to gain support from the executive level for new technology endeavours. These are essential for growth and effective management.

In addition, the technologies are needed to meet end-user expectations as well as service delivery requirements, a task that can often be difficult with the dated systems and technologies currently in use.

"MEA government IT departments are increasingly being asked not only to 'do more with less' but also to 'do new with less'," explained Mukesh Chulani, a regional program manager for the IDC.

"Consequently, many IT decision makers are keen to evaluate new engagement and business models."

He went on to outline how the increasing rate of new demands is requiring roster expansion as well as a need to extend the reach of various services and ensure operations are governed correctly.

Business leaders not solely in the MEA need to understand the effectiveness of the Third Platform, and consider the best ways to handle integration.

The value of training personnel

As effective governance is essential for new Third Platform technologies, it's important for business leaders to consider the value of appropriate certifications and framework training. In many cases, these are able to ensure that staff have the necessary skills and understanding to both implement new solutions and manage them on an ongoing basis.

The COBIT framework is a definitive platform for enterprise IT governance, and as such is the perfect solution for handling Third Platform endeavours.

COBIT is essentially designed to interlink business and IT goals, in turn providing metrics and maturity models that are able to measure achievement. In addition, the responsibilities of business and IT process owners can be assessed.

Failing to ensure effective governance can be disastrous for organisations, especially due to the increasing dependency placed on IT systems.

Armed with the right governance framework and an understanding of how to best implement Third Platform technologies, organisations will be in the best position moving forward.

What certifications are best for IT professionals?

The modern IT professional has to contend with a number of factors, such as an increasingly complex IT environment and growing business demands. Other factors such as cyber security are also becoming a top priority, and can present real concerns for ongoing IT operations.

This isn't to mention company executives attempting to adopt new and often necessary technologies. 

To ensure IT professionals are able to effectively handle technology changes, it's essential to consider how frameworks (and their certifications) can be utilised effectively.

In most cases, the certifications provide a wealth of useful information that can be applied to a number of scenarios. The best certifications for IT professionals will be outlined below.

ITIL

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is one of the best courses for IT professionals, and is able to offer an extensive number of volumes for understanding organisational objectives, developing better service strategies and improving IT capabilities.

At its core, ITIL is essentially designed to provide an array of procedures and processes that can be applied to a number of organisations. Through implementation, value can be delivered along with a minimum level of competency.

ALC offer an extensive ITIL training program, which can take IT professionals from a basic understanding through to a Masters accreditation. Throughout the course, practical knowledge is taught to participants.

COBIT 5

Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT 5) is another framework, but one designed with a different set of objectives in mind.

Through use of this framework, IT professionals are able to implement effective control objectives for day-to-day use within a business. These can subsequently be used by business managers and IT professionals.

Often, the objectives relate to confidentiality, integrity and data availability – along with the overall management of the IT department of a business.

Similar to the ITIL training course, a COBIT 5 certification from ALC extensively covers a range of components related to the framework. Further courses specialise even more so, covering areas such as risk and implementation.

PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is designed for project management professionals, and as such offers certifications that are recognised around the world.

It can be utilised by professionals working in projects, initiating projects and even other business staff who require project management training.

As IT environments become increasingly complex, having a firm grasp over the entire IT department is essential, and that's where the necessity of project management lies.

A PRINCE2 course from ALC Training covers a number of areas, such as using the framework to direct a project and how to effectively implement it in a business.

TOGAF

To enhance business efficiency, the Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is often the best framework solution. As a proven enterprise architecture methodology, IT professionals using the system can both enhance their industry credibility and ensure improved IT efficiency for businesses.

As businesses increasingly seek to reduce operating costs and drive workplace efficiency, the value of certifications such as TOGAF cannot be overstated.

In addition, IT professionals can also use TOGAF to develop enterprise architecture that surpasses standards. Common areas of implementation are for data architecture developments, technology architecture and applications architecture.

The ALC course is split into two levels, foundation and practitioner, which cover a number of topics relating to successful TOGAF implementations.

Certifications need to be considered in the near future, as they can help to ensure that IT professionals understand the best-practice methods and frameworks for the industry.

Once the detailed courses have been completed, professionals will be able to more easily adapt to changing technology environments and implement effective solutions.

Failing to understand the value of such certifications could lead to IT environments operating ineffectively.

Software-defined networking market expected to reach new heights

Enterprises are placing an increased focus on IT networks, especially given the growth of cloud computing and Big Data over recent years. As such, software-defined networking (SDN) is on the rise within organisations, and is expected to see significant growth.

SDN is a model that focuses on automated provisioning, improved programmability and increased virtualisation in data centres and across enterprise networks. The International Data Corporation have stated that it's currently a driver for network innovation.

With an increased focus on networks, it's going to be necessary to have IT staff undertake project management training. This can ensure any network changes are implemented correctly from the outset.

Growth of SDN

In a new report, the IDC has forecast the market for SDN market enterprise and cloud service providers to grow from US$960 million this year to over $8 billion by 2018. This represents a massive combined annual growth rate of 89.4 per cent.

Growth in this sector is predicted to centre on physical network infrastructure, network-virtualisation software and SDN network and security services.

"SDN is taking centre stage among innovative approaches to some of the networking challenges brought about by the rise of the third platform, particularly virtualisation and cloud computing," said Rohit Mehra, a vice president at the IDC.

Usefulness of SDN

Use cases for SDN extend across a number of areas, which are certainly likely to have an impact on organisations. Web scaling for hosting was predicted as a primary area of use, along with private and hybrid cloud deployments.

The other cases centred on network programmability and customisation, as well as the array of security applications.

It's important for organisations to consider the other benefits of adoption, and how best to handle an implementation. In nearly every case, project management training can be especially useful.

Mobile market heading towards fragmentation

Enterprises cannot deny the value of mobile technologies, especially given the advancements in capability over recent years. With smartphones and tablets organisations can see a far higher degree of collaboration between departments, and improved communication at all levels.

A new report from the International Data Corporation (IDC) has explained that, due to a differing number of uses, market fragmentation is on the way for the Asia/Pacific region.

Before going ahead with a mobile strategy, it could be a good idea to consider the value of organisational IT security training. This can ensure that when new mobile technologies are implemented, there's no risk of security issues.

Mobile use cases

Like other types of technology, mobile is broad term with a number of possible uses. Many businesses may seek to use tablets for internal meetings, while others might rely on smartphones to video conference from different locations. This, combined with further mobile investments, is causing market fragmentation.

Incoming fragmentation

A recent survey by the IDC found that on average, 70 per cent of respondents had mobility initiatives in place within organisations. Initiatives typically focus on furthering traditional business goals such as communication and workflow.

While mobility may have been seen as an optional consideration in the past, it's now a vital aspect of operations.

"Enterprises across the region are realising it's no longer a question of why, but a question of how when it comes to mobility adoption in their organisations," says Ian Song, a research manager at the IDC.

"With the growing momentum of the trend of Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD), companies can no longer ignore mobile devices in the workplace."

Understanding the value

While some organisations understand the need for mobility, many more are failing to grasp the value of strong mobile integration. Mobile strategies that are correctly integrated offer a number of operational benefits.

In most cases, business growth can be driven as traditional communication barriers are removed. Of course, companies need to consider how new technology implementations can impact security and other areas of the organisation.

Gartner unveils hype cycle for emerging technologies

Technology has often represented a challenge for companies, especially given the constant state of innovation and transformation in the sector. New processes and platforms are unveiled on a monthly basis, and it can be all too easy for these organisations to turn a blind eye.

Enterprises can no longer ignore new technologies, however, especially given the operational benefits which can result from implementation. In order to become true 'digital businesses' it's going to be essential to consider the value of these new platforms and services, and plan for implementation.

 This article will explore the importance of emerging technologies, and recent announcement from research organisation Garter regarding their predicted path.

Importance of considering emerging technologies

Digital business represents the next stage of development for many companies, and in order to reach this stage it's going to be essential to adopt key technologies at certain stages.

Gartner define digital business as the creation of new company designs by utilising a convergence of business, people and technologies that disrupt existing models. The rapid rise of new devices, services and things is giving rise to this new mode of operation.

The Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies is a Gartner report which features new technologies and the impacts they're likely to have on operations.

"The Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies is the broadest aggregate Gartner Hype Cycle, featuring technologies that are the focus of attention because of particularly high levels of hype, or those that Gartner believes have the potential for significant impact," said vice president and Gartner fellow Jackie Fenn.

These technologies are trends such as the Internet of Things, wearable computers and Big Data. Analytics and science are also a centre of attention, specifically in regards to things such as data science and neurobusiness.

While these may seem out of reach for many companies, Gartner has outlined clear models for effective implementation.

The six models

The company has identified six business era models that are key to the digital business development path, including areas of focus such as web, e-business, digital marketing and autonomous functions.

It's important to remember that consideration across a range of technologies is essential for an effective digital businesses transition.

However, Gartner explained that the Hype cycle has a primary focus on three areas.

The need for governance

If there's to be a push for digital business technologies, both organisations and IT professionals will need to ensure effective project governance. With a rapid increase in new technology and service adoption, as well as a need to overhaul traditional company operation models, a governance certification can be highly effective.

A COBIT 5 certification from ALC can be one of the most effective methods of ensuring IT governance, as it provides all necessary information. The courses offered deal with the COBIT 5 framework and the underlying components, using a logical and example-driven learning approach.

Businesses can then ensure that new technologies and services are implemented correctly, and value delivery is ensured. It's also relatively straightforward for these organisations to measure goal achievement and report where required.

With the coming implementation of new technologies, it's going to be essential that strong frameworks are in place.

Are your wireless networks at risk?

As the speed and reliability of wireless technology has increased, so too has business reliance on virtual networks and wireless connection tools. 

Today, many organisations are specifically investing in smart devices for their workforce, so that employees can remain connected and collaborative at all times while on the job. 

However, while wireless networks can offer a number of benefits in terms of improved mobility, greater productivity and streamlined collaboration, they can also create new cybersecurity risks. 

Modern cybercriminals are more advanced and sophisticated than ever before, and often look to target inadequately secured wireless networks when attempting to access confidential data. 

Wireless networks without the proper level of access protection can also leave your business open to internal threats, such as employees who may utilise the network in an insecure way. 

With such a wide variety of wireless network threats out there – from spyware to DDoS attacks, viruses, worms and trojans – it can be difficult for those without proper security education to achieve comprehensive network security. 

Fortunately, there are IT security training courses available that are specifically designed to provide information and advice about securing wireless networks in order to minimise the chance of a breach. 

A wireless network security in-house presentation could be the perfect option for you business, as it will ensure all relevant network users understand the variety of threats present when using a wireless network. 

Such a presentation encompasses a wide variety of wireless and mobile network options, including WPANs, WLANs and Bluetooth, and can be catered to the unique needs and requirements of your organisation. 

Due to the in-depth, practical nature of this course, participants will have full confidence in their ability to access and utilise networks in a safe and productive manner. And because they will have access to a trained and experienced tutor, any questions or concerns they may have will be answered on the spot. 

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