priSM - Value Yet to be Realized?

priSM was really promoted at last year’s itSMF event and, honestly, looking at the registry (http://www.itsmfusa.org/prism-registry ) suggests priSM is having some problems gaining acceptance. If the registry is current, there are only about 40 folks who have completed the process. This “might” be due to several reasons, all of which I evaluated when I considered completing the application paperwork:

· Cost – the economy is in shambles right now and few companies (and even fewer independents) will invest in the annual renewal fee. When I looked at the cost of the Distinguished Professional I was rather taken aback by the cost which is NOT a one-time fee.

· Cost/Benefit – The program has been “in the works” for quite a few years. The intent was to raise the ITIL certifications to a level of recognition on par with PMI. However, that is a tough thing to do for a new program and in the midst of a recession. The benefit of “recognition” afforded by priSM just does not (yet) justify the cost.

o As a consultant, other than getting my name on the registry page and having the privilege of using more initials at the end of my name on my business card, there is no real benefit that advances my level of skill. I have already contributed to the Body of Knowledge, can continue to do so, and hold the highest certifications necessary for me to understand the concepts essential to actually practicing the art. And we already have the proven implementation experience essential to effective Service Management as well as global recognition, and authorship of a number of publications.

o Clients do not yet fully understand priSM if they know anything at all about it at all. What our clients want to know is if we know the “how” of IT Service Management using the ITIL framework. And every engagement reinforces our skills in executing the “how.” priSM does little, if anything, to advance this insight to practical application which, for those of us who have been doing this for a while, have already achieved.

o While priSM seeks to emulate the PMI model, even the PMI model has its issues. I’ve worked with PMI certified project managers who couldn’t project manage their way out of a paper bag and others who were outstanding. Similarly, I’ve worked with project managers who did not hold a PMI certification who were among the best project managers I’ve ever worked with. The same will likely be true for priSM.

Essentially, while I do hope for the best and feel we need such a program, it will not guarantee that a priSM-recognized consultant really knows the most effective way to implement Service Management. Further the cost, annual submission process, and communication void surrounding the program inhibit acceptance.

Looking at the promises of priSM...

• Enable professional success
• Increase earnings potential
• Enhance credibility and influence
• Earn distinction and recognition within your organization and on a global level

…I’m struggling to understand “how” it does all of that. The initial cost for “Distinguished Professional” is $400 for itSMF members / $595 for non-members with an annual renewal rate of $395. I suspect there are few companies, and even fewer independents, that will spend that kind of money and contribute to a recurring revenue stream until the legitimacy of the certification is proven.

I don’t want it to sound like an indictment of the program because I do feel its goals are worthy and needed in our industry. But the cost/benefit equation just does not work right now. And that is a tough thing to overcome in this economy.