What is it?

Change Management is an IT Service Management discipline. The objective of Change Management in this context is to ensure that standardized methods and procedures are used for efficient and prompt handling of all changes to controlled IT infrastructure, in order to minimize the number and impact of any related incidents upon service. Changes in the IT infrastructure may arise reactively in response to problems or externally imposed requirements, e.g. legislative changes, or proactively from seeking imposed efficiency and effectiveness or to enable or reflect business initiatives, or from programmes, projects or service improvement initiatives. Change Management can ensure standardised methods, processes and procedures are used for all changes, facilitate efficient and prompt handling of all changes, and maintain the proper balance between the need for change and the potential detrimental impact of changes.

What's the big deal?

As we become more reliant on our networks, it becomes even more important to manage the changes we perform (updates/patches…). The more services (voice, video data) we put on the network, the more people we affect with change. For businesses where security and best practices are of major importance, a solid change management practice will allow the most favorable outcomes and save valuable employee time. Cisco has an excellent change management white paper. Admittedly, some items are specifically related to Cisco and Cisco gear, but there are some very important general concepts as well.

Change Management: Best Practices White Paper