August 1, 2007, Melbourne, Australia – The Australian chapter of the IT Service Management Forum (itSMF) – the world’s largest independent industry association in the area of IT service management – has assembled a stellar programme of workshops, keynote speakers, breakout streams and social events for its milestone 10th National Conference and Expo to be held at Melbourne Exhibition and Convention from August 13-15. In addition to taking the opportunity to celebrate its 10th anniversary milestone, this year’s event takes on even more significance in the wake of the recent launch of ITIL Version 3 – the latest iteration of the de facto best practice framework for IT service management. “This year’s National Conference and Expo will set new benchmarks in terms of the number of registered delegates, exhibitors’ sponsorship packages sold and size of the programme,” Johanna de Roder, itSMF Australia Board Member and Conference Director said. “With the recent launch of ITIL v3, we are experiencing unprecedented interest from the itSMF membership and broader ITSM communities in this conference. “The new version of ITIL shifts the focus of IT service management to a lifecycle approach with a new emphasis on governance, continual improvement and creating business value. This will be well represented in the conference content which will cater to all levels of ITSM experience.” Another key feature of this year’s conference will be the case study presentations from the four finalists in this year’s itSMF Australia ITIL Project of the Year Award. For the first time, peer review will play a role in the judging process of this highly prestigious award as conference delegates will get to vote on which of the four case studies best meets the award criteria. These votes will contribute to the final tally that determines the eventual winner. “Past feedback from members and delegates has indicated there is strong interest in case study presentations at the conference,” de Roder said. “Therefore, we are extremely pleased to include comprehensive presentations about four of the biggest, most successful and innovative ITSM improvement projects in the country. “In addition to the technical workshops, theoretical presentations and full social programme, these case studies will add significantly to value that the whole conference experience will offer to attending delegates.” With a theme of “ITSM10 – A Decade of Value”, this conference is a must-attend event for IT professionals who want and need to know more about effectively implementing IT service management with stronger IT governance in order to deliver true business value. The conference programme includes: Eight optional half day workshops on Day 1;

Expansive Trade Show Exhibition with new sponsors and exhibitors who will provide you with extensive information on the latest tools and services available to the ITSM industry

Two first class social functions designed to maximise your networking opportunities in a fun filled and entertaining environment

Two and a half days of conference sessions which include:

-          High profile International and Australian Keynote speakers;-  
       
Six programme streams which focus on "hot topics" of interest -         
Entertaining and inspirational guest speakers  According to Mr. Peter Cross, Chairman of itSMF Australia, under increased scrutiny of IT investments, minimal increases in budgets for IT Projects for both public and private sector IT organisations, IT service management has become a key component of the IT industry as well as a mission critical business process. “The rising popularity of process-based, best practice standards in an IT department’s delivery and governance of services across an entire organisation has been a key driver in the growth of itSMF membership and activities in 43 countries world-wide,” Mr. Cross said. “The Conference Programme Committee has done an excellent job this year in carefully selecting content which clearly demonstrates how IT-enabled business investments can bring huge rewards when coupled with the right governance and management processes. “In addition, with so many IT organisations looking to see how ITIL Version 3 affects them, this is a must-attend conference for anyone with a stake in improving IT service delivery and governance.” A huge array of information and services relating to the Conference is available from the itSMF Australia Website. Visit www.itsmf.org.au/conference2007.asp for:  Full details of itSMF Australia’s 10th National Conference and Expo programme

Profiles and abstracts for Keynote Speakers and Conference Presenters

Online registration and accommodation bookings

 Contacts:Peter Cross – Chairman, itSMF Australia – 0418 502 201Johanna de Roder – Conference Director – 0418 708 098Gerard Norsa – Schmooze Communications – 0427 563 442 ABOUT itSMF AUSTRALIA:The itSMF is an internationally recognised organisation that is dedicated to non-proprietary IT service management standards and solutions. Now with over 40 national chapters around the world, it was formed to facilitate professional development of members and to provide them with a relevant forum in which to influence the creation of standards, exchange information and share experiences. Ultimately, this interaction and communication amongst members will assist in improving the management and delivery of IT Services to their business and customers.For further information, visit the itSMF Australia Website (www.itsmf.org.au). ABOUT IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT:In recent years, defined process-based service management frameworks have been the foundation upon which many organisations have improved IT service delivery, governance and risk management. These are designed to create operational efficiencies, improve service levels and to reduce the costs of delivering IT service and support. ABOUT ISO/IEC 20000:ISO/IEC 20000 the International Standards Organisation’s standard for IT service management. It is based on British Standard BS 15000, the first standard in IT Service Management which is in-turn underpinned by the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), the global de-facto best practice guidance in IT Infrastructure Management.  ISO/IEC 20000 is part of a range of standards that are being developed in the area of IT Governance.