IT Operating Model

When there is talk about an "operating model" do you nod wisely and wonder WTF they are actually talking about? I did for years. In my consulting work I got my head around what it actually is. Here are some ideas.

This post is a little easter egg for you (whatever your preferred mythology) from the IT Skeptic. I hope it is useful! if so please Like this blog
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Interestingly there appears not to be any standard for a meta-model: a model of an Operating Model. When the Wikipedia entry for "Industry standard operating models" points you to ITIL, you know you're in trouble.

One article I often point to is a blog post by Troy DuMoulin over at Pink Elpehant where he lays out a great picture of a process view of an IT Operating Model.

In a comment on this blog from Mark Smalley summarising his thoughts on an IT Operating Model. He said

    We often focus on the important process part of an IT Operating Model but a broader definition is useful, leading me to the following components:
  1. Core work IT processes that create and deliver value to stakeholders
  2. Information and information systems to execute and support these core IT processes (it is assumed that there is no other “equipment and technology” than “information systems”)
  3. Other processes to support the core IT processes
  4. Suppliers and supplier agreements to support the processes
  5. People to do the work
  6. Organization structure, decision rights, incentives and accountabilities and culture that ‘govern’, motivate and support the people
  7. Locations, buildings and ambiance

I use a simpler model because we are simple folk in New Zealand:

  1. The value stream modelled as entities (team, function, role...) and the flows between them. For example:
    Image

    I will in future use IT4IT as my model

  2. Perhaps a process model: classic BPM. e.g. Troy's picture
    © 2015 Pink Elephant Inc.
  3. An engagement model for suppliers. Here is my "Hono" model
    Image
  4. A more detailed support model showing the entities at levels 0 thru 3 for incidents and requests.
    Image
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  5. I'd like to do an information model one day. I have been thinking of using OBASHI.

Do you have a preferred meta-model: a model of an Operating Model?

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