A few years ago I opted out of ITIL use, training and certification when I learned about the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF). MOF is based on the same principles as ITIL but is on a more edible scale. I like the cost of the MOF documentation (free on the Microsoft Web site). I also like the fact that there is no such thing as MOF certification -- not only because I have never seen much benefit from ITIL certification but also because, too often, we humans try to rationalize complex process by dangling a certification carrot. For example, the MOF configuration and change management documentation is simple and concise (about 26 pages), whereas the associated ITIL documentation fills a book.

Granted, MOF does not handle all of the exceptions, but my passion is to eliminate as many exceptions as possible. I have used the MOF framework to achieve results at least as good as those I achieved with ITIL -- that is, dramatic performance and reliability improvements.

To make sure I do not miss a best practice breakthrough, I still review ITIL when it releases a new version. But so far, MOF seems to more than meet my needs. No exceptions.