Book excerpt: This guide contains 6 Core and 12 World-Class processes each of which is described in chapters that provide a logical view of the element itself and why it is important to the organization, along with a flexible process model that can be adapted to most businesses and how the process works in practice—plus proven and practical models and Tips for Success from high-performing organizations on implementing the process. The technical content takes a mid-level view to be useful to a broader group of readers and is complemented by other relevant chapters, including: •A Brief History of IT Service Management •Understanding ITIL, COBIT, and ISO •The Consumerization of IT •Making Sense of Cloud and On-Premise •Enterprise Service Management •A Culture of Excellence •An Approach to Leverage Technology •The Exploration of Service Automation The Practical Guide to World-Class IT Service Management also examines the future of IT service management and where this exciting journey is likely to lead.