Six Reasons to Read the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF)

The Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) is a well written, meaningful, asset-rich framework that is often overlooked in favor of its higher profile cousins ITIL, Cobit and ISO/IEC 20000. Unfortunately, the big "M" that stands in front of the framework has created the perception that MOF is only relevant to Microsoft environments. Nothing could be further from the truth - Microsoft has invested a great deal of resource and effort in creating MOF intellectual property and assets - giving it all away for free for anyone, in any environment, that is interested in learning more. In fact, Microsoft considers you a Microsoft customer if you are working at a desktop or laptop running a Microsof operating system.

Microsoft's goal in developing MOF was to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of IT service providers, thereby enabling those providers to get a better return on their infrastructure, applications and tools.

Here are six good reasons to consider learning more about MOF:

It is compatible with ITIL. You can "cherry pick" the guidance that makes sense from both frameworks. If you are already down the ITIL path, some of the guidance, assets and templates may help you overcome some of your bottlenecks and challenges. MOF may also help to clarify some of the more complex ITIL concepts such as service models - MOF's service maps are easier to understand

It is much more prescriptive and offers up scripted questions at the task or activity level

It uses familiar IT vocabulary - do your clients want "utility and warranty" or do they want "reliability".

There are many job aids and templates available. Microsoft has invested quite a bit in creating MOF assets as part of its' Solution Accelerator program.

It is tool independent. Microsoft does not tie MOF back to any of it's products or services.

It's free - need I say more?

Comments

Roger Williams said…

Thanks for sharing this. I had unfairly dismissed MOF as a useful resource.

June 23, 2012 at 10:02 PM

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