Moving from SFIA 1 or 2
A considerable amount of work has been carried out to collect and analyse feedback from the SFIA community. Workshops have been run, meetings have been held, and a web site has carried out the function of capturing input from a wide spectrum of organisations.
After careful deliberation, the SFIA development team has come up with a revision that adds considerably to the strength and usefulness of the framework.
This document is intended to assist those who have implemented SFIA version 2 and who now wish to make use of the additional information in SFIA version 3.
It summarises the main changes between the two versions, and provides an annotated list of the categories, subcategories and skills of SFIA version 3.
Structure maintained and improved
The overall structure of SFIA has been maintained, although we have returned to six categories. These form a better basis for presenting the expanded set of skills. Improved subcategories also help with presentation of SFIA. The documentation emphasises that the categories and subcategories are there as an aid to the reader. SFIA is not attempting to define the categories and subcategories. The slightly confusing term ‘Role’ has been removed, to help this understanding.
Skill descriptions improved and extended
All skills descriptions have been reviewed and where necessary edited, clarified and made consistent. Many of the skills have benefited from improved wording. Some of them now appear at more levels than before. There are now 77 rather than 54 skills.
Business change
SFIA version 3 reflects the growing emphasis on business change and related skills in IT: this is one of the reasons we have moved to six categories. Some of the specific additions relating to the achievement of beneficial change in the business are: Information management, Benefits management, Stakeholder relationship management, and Continuity management. Improvements have been made to Business analysis and Risk management .
Technology
Needs arising from technology are recognised in the inclusion of wireless technology and web administration, development & content.
Service management – ITIL
SFIA version 3 now reflects ITIL (the IT Infrastructure Library) more closely. Reference is made to the main ITIL disciplines (Problem management, Change management, Service level management, Capacity management, etc.).
Security
The topic of security has been strengthened by the addition of Information security and Information assurance (including network attack/defence and penetration testing).
IT Governance and compliance
This area benefits from information on financial management and accountability, etc. The importance of outsourcing has been reflected in supplier relationship management, delivery of IT services and service delivery integration. Information on Human factors has been strengthened, since this is now an area where compliance is often required. The need for innovation is reflected at the strategic level.