If you work in the Information Technology field, you have certainly heard of ITIL. Over the decades, this library of best practices has become the gold standard for service delivery. However, with the speed of digital transformation, the framework had to evolve.

In this article, we will explore the nuances between ITIL v3, ITIL 4, and the new ITIL Version 5. Our goal is to help you understand which path to follow to boost your career and how these updates impact governance in modern organizations.

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What Is ITIL and Why Are There Different Versions of the Framework?

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is the world’s most widely recognized framework for IT Service Management (ITSM). Its fundamental role is to align technology services with business needs, ensuring that IT is not just technical support, but a true value engine.

In practice, it provides a common vocabulary and a set of practices that help organizations reduce costs, manage risks, and increase customer satisfaction.

Why Did ITIL Evolve from v3 to ITIL 4 and Now to ITIL Version 5?

The market never stands still. ITIL v3 emerged in a world where IT was viewed as rigid infrastructure. ITIL 4 responded to the need for agility and integration with methods such as Lean and DevOps.

Now, ITIL Version 5 emerges to address the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the complexity of digital products. Today’s organizations must operate faster and more flexibly, and the framework evolves to reflect this reality.

ITIL as a Living Framework: Adapting to Market Changes

Unlike a static manual, ITIL is a living organism. Each new version represents a significant step in adapting service management to how organizations operate today. It does not replace what worked before, but builds on proven foundations to face new technological challenges.

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ITIL v3: Foundations and Key Characteristics

Overview of ITIL v3 and Its Process Focus

ITIL v3, updated in 2011, had a strong focus on processes. The idea was that if you followed a well-defined workflow, the result would be a quality service. It was an era of intense standardization, essential for organizing IT departments that previously operated in chaos.

The Service Lifecycle in ITIL v3

The v3 structure was based on the Service Lifecycle, divided into five main stages:

• Service Strategy: Define the market and objectives.
• Service Design: Design the technical solution and processes.
• Service Transition: Build and test before going live.
• Service Operation: Ensure the service runs day to day.
• Continual Service Improvement (CSI): Learn from mistakes and optimize.

Strengths and Limitations of ITIL v3 Today

The great strength of ITIL v3 was order. However, its rigidity ended up creating organizational silos. In a world that demands continuous and rapid delivery, waiting for a service to go through all bureaucratic lifecycle phases became a bottleneck for many agile organizations.

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ITIL 4: Key Changes Compared to ITIL v3

What Are the Main Differences Between ITIL v3 and ITIL 4?

The main difference is a shift in mindset: “processes” are replaced by “practices.” While a process is a sequence of steps, a practice is a set of organizational resources (people, tools, culture) used to perform work.

What Is the Biggest Change in ITIL 4 Compared to Previous Versions?

The introduction of the Service Value System (SVS) and the Four Dimensions. ITIL 4 focuses on value co-creation, meaning value is not simply delivered by the provider, but built together with the customer through active relationships.

From Process Focus to Value and Co-Creation

In ITIL 4, the goal is not just to “complete a task,” but to ensure that task results in real business benefit. It encourages holistic thinking, where IT understands the impact of its actions across the entire value chain.

The 34 ITIL 4 Practices and the Service Value System (SVS)

ITIL 4 replaced the 26 v3 processes with 34 practices. The SVS acts as the ecosystem that enables these practices to work together to transform demand into value, guided by principles such as “Focus on Value” and “Start Where You Are.”

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ITIL Version 5: The Next Step in ITIL’s Evolution

What Is ITIL Version 5 and How Does It Differ from ITIL 4?

ITIL Version 5 is the natural evolution for an AI-native environment. While ITIL 4 focused on services, Version 5 focuses on the full integration of digital products and services. It provides practical guidance on managing complexity and using intelligent automation to make informed decisions.

Is ITIL Version 5 a Continuation or a New Framework?

It is a continuation. It incorporates proven concepts from ITIL 4, such as the Service Value System and guiding principles, while expanding the view to the digital product lifecycle. Candidates who already hold the ITIL 4 Foundation certification do not need to retake it; it is recognized as a prerequisite for advanced Version 5 modules.

Key Benefits of ITIL Version 5 for Digital and Agile Environments

• Practicality: More relevant for those working with modern digital products.
• AI-Ready: Helps professionals work effectively in AI-enabled environments.
• Digital Experience Focus: Places user and customer experience at the center of design and delivery.

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Direct Comparison: ITIL v3 vs ITIL 4 vs ITIL Version 5

Characteristic	ITIL v3	ITIL 4	ITIL Version 5
Primary Focus	Processes and Lifecycle	Value and Practices	Digital Products and AI
Approach	Linear and Rigid	Holistic and Flexible	Adaptive and Complex
Customer Relationship	Service Delivery	Value Co-Creation	End-to-End Digital Experience
Technology	Infrastructure Support	Business Enabler	AI- and Automation-Native

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Which ITIL Version Makes Sense for Each Type of Organization

• Traditional Organizations: May still use ITIL v3 concepts to organize legacy infrastructure, but should migrate to ITIL 4 to gain agility.
• Startups and Digital Companies: ITIL 4 and ITIL Version 5 are essential, as they address speed and uncertainty in today’s market.
• Innovation-Focused Organizations: ITIL Version 5 is ideal for those already using AI and needing governance over complex digital products.

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Change Management in ITIL: What Changes Across Versions?

What Are the Types of Changes in ITIL?

Regardless of the version, ITIL generally classifies changes into three types:

• Standard: Low risk, pre-authorized, and frequent.
• Normal: Requires scheduling, assessment, and authorization.
• Emergency: Implemented as quickly as possible to resolve a major incident.

What Is a Standard Change in ITIL 4?

It is a change that follows an established procedure, with well-known and accepted risks. A practical example is updating approved software on a workstation.

How Change Management Evolved from ITIL v3 to ITIL 4 and Version 5

In v3, the focus was on “Change Control,” often bureaucratic. In ITIL 4, the name changed to Change Enablement, focusing on removing barriers so changes can happen safely but quickly. In Version 5, this becomes even more automated, integrating directly with CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery) pipelines.

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Which ITIL Version Should You Study or Apply Today?

Is ITIL v3 Still Used in the Market?

Although many concepts still exist in organizations with legacy processes, the ITIL v3 certification has been discontinued. Studying v3 today has only historical value or helps understand very traditional environments.

When to Choose ITIL 4

ITIL 4 Foundation remains the mandatory entry point. It is a solid base for any ITSM professional and a prerequisite for career progression.

When ITIL Version 5 Is Most Appropriate

If you are already ITIL 4 certified and want to stand out in digital transformation management and AI governance, ITIL Version 5 is your next step. It is recommended for those seeking strategic leadership roles in highly complex environments.

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ITIL and the Future of IT Service Management

ITSM Trends That Drove ITIL 4 and ITIL Version 5

The need for speed, the explosion of data, and the ubiquity of cloud computing forced ITIL to abandon the “library of books” mindset and become a practical agility guide.

Integration with Agile, DevOps, and Digital Practices

Modern ITIL does not compete with Agile or DevOps; it embraces them. It provides the governance structure needed to ensure agility does not turn into chaos.

ITIL as the Foundation for Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is not about technology—it is about people and processes. ITIL provides the operating model required to make this transformation sustainable and deliver measurable results.

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Conclusion: Understanding the Differences to Make the Best Decision

The evolution of ITIL mirrors the evolution of technology itself. From process organization in v3, to value co-creation in ITIL 4, and finally to mastery of digital products and AI in Version 5.

For professionals, the path is clear: solidify your foundation with ITIL 4 and prepare for the future with the new Version 5 modules, such as AI Governance.

Want to become a certified specialist and lead IT in your organization? Explore PMG Academy’s ITIL courses and stay ahead of market changes!

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Frequently Asked Questions About ITIL v3, ITIL 4, and ITIL Version 5 (FAQ)

What are the main differences between ITIL v3 and ITIL 4?
ITIL v3 focuses on processes and the service lifecycle. ITIL 4 focuses on practices, the Service Value System (SVS), and value co-creation with the customer.

What is the main change in ITIL 4?
The shift from “service delivery” to “value co-creation,” integrating IT and business holistically through the Four Dimensions.

What are the types of changes in ITIL?
Standard Change (pre-authorized), Normal Change (requires assessment), and Emergency Change (urgent).

What is a standard change in ITIL 4?
A low-risk, routine change that follows an approved procedure and does not require new authorization for each execution.