20. February 2025
What is the difference between ITSM and SIAM?
Traditionally, the term IT service management (ITSM) refers to the provision, management and improvement of information technology (IT) within a company or organizational unit.
ITSM is often operated within the framework of ITIL. Accordingly, all common ITSM software products also support the implementation of ITSM in accordance with ITIL.
In the last blog post, we already explained SIAM and its advantages. Now the question naturally arises, what are the differences between SIAM and ITSM and how are they related?
In principle, SIAM cannot be presented as a separate framework, as ITSM is. Rather, ITSM is extended by SIAM in the area of multi-provider management. As a result of the development towards rapidly changing IT environments described in the first blog post, companies are increasingly tending towards dynamic procurement models. SIAM has emerged precisely from this trend and extends ITSM in the area of managing different providers (service providers), i.e. in multi-provider management.
And what does this have to do with ITIL?
ITIL consists of 2 key elements: The ITIL Service Value System (SVS) and the four-dimension model. The SVS contains the four-dimension model.
In fact, SIAM can also be related to the four dimensions of ITIL:
1. Organization and persons
2. Information and technology
3. Partners and suppliers
4. Processes
The parallels between SIAM and ITSM cannot be overlooked here.
And dimension 2 relates to information technology. In short: SIAM should be introduced as quickly, effectively, functionally and cost-effectively as possible using a suitable product.
Dimensions 1 and 3 must be integrated as strongly as possible. Ultimately, SIAM is also based on trust. If people, organizations and partners are not sufficiently involved, there is a lack of trust and clear responsibilities, which in turn leads to idle time due to the unnecessary need for discussion and so-called “finger pointing”.
The fourth dimension, “processes”, is also an integral part of SIAM. Multi-provider management makes this dimension particularly important. This is because multi-provider management requires such processes to be able to adapt quickly, which is why processes must be very well understood and mapped in advance.
Summary
SIAM does not replace ITSM, but expands the possibilities and reinforces the advantages of ITSM.
In traditional ITSM according to ITIL, it is predominantly assumed that internal IT provides all services. However, the trend towards dynamic procurement models in IT organizations is changing this initial situation. SIAM products support the ability to adapt and innovate quickly by sourcing services from internal and external providers
