Completing the ITIL v3 Foundation course is a significant achievement for any IT professional. It introduces fundamental concepts of IT Service Management, gives an understanding of service value, and familiarizes learners with ITIL’s structured approach. However, for many, this is also the point where confusion begins. After passing the Foundation exam, professionals are often left asking, “What’s next?”
This uncertainty largely stems from the two main streams available after Foundation—the Lifecycle stream and the Capability stream. These are the pathways that lead toward advanced ITIL certifications. But the difference between them is not always well-explained. Without clear guidance, learners may struggle to decide which stream aligns best with their goals, responsibilities, and career path.
While the Foundation course offers a shared language and baseline knowledge, it doesn’t provide the specialized insight necessary for executing or managing ITIL practices in real-world environments. To grow professionally and progress within the ITIL framework, learners must go beyond the Foundation and make strategic choices about the direction of their learning.
What ITIL Foundation Prepares You For
The ITIL Foundation is designed to give a broad overview of ITIL’s structure, principles, and vocabulary. It introduces the five stages of the Service Lifecycle, explains key roles and processes, and emphasizes the importance of aligning IT services with business goals. It is suitable for individuals across various job functions who need to understand how ITIL works at a basic level.
However, the Foundation course is intentionally high-level. It does not delve into process execution or provide practical instruction on implementing ITIL in daily operations. It does not prepare learners for specialized roles such as process managers, IT service owners, or strategic consultants. Rather, it serves as an entry point into a much larger framework.
To progress beyond Foundation, professionals need to explore either the Lifecycle or Capability modules, which offer more depth and focus. These modules lead toward the ITIL Expert certification and provide the advanced understanding necessary for career growth in service management.
The ITIL Qualification Scheme
The ITIL qualification scheme is structured as a modular system, allowing learners to choose the path that best fits their experience and professional needs. It uses a credit-based approach. Each course completed earns credits that contribute toward higher-level certifications.
A total of 22 credits is required to earn the ITIL Expert certification. The Foundation level provides 2 credits. Learners must then earn at least 15 additional credits from the Intermediate modules, which are part of either the Lifecycle or Capability stream. The final 5 credits come from the Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) module, which is a required capstone course for the Expert level.
This structure provides flexibility, allowing professionals to focus on the areas most relevant to their current roles. While some may choose to mix modules from both streams, it is often recommended to focus on one stream initially to build strong and consistent knowledge in a specific area of service management.
Lifecycle Stream Overview
The Lifecycle stream focuses on the broader phases of the ITIL Service Lifecycle. It is designed for professionals involved in management or strategic roles who are responsible for defining and overseeing service practices within an organization. Each module corresponds to one of the five stages in the Service Lifecycle:
- Service Strategy
- Service Design
- Service Transition
- Service Operation
- Continual Service Improvement
These modules provide a top-down perspective on how services are planned, built, and improved. The emphasis is on policies, frameworks, governance, and organizational impact. While individual processes are discussed, the primary goal is to understand how all components fit together across the service lifecycle.
This stream is most appropriate for professionals who work in roles like Service Manager, IT Director, Process Owner, or anyone who needs to oversee multiple service areas and drive alignment between IT and business objectives.
Capability Stream Overview
The Capability stream takes a more practical and hands-on approach to ITIL training. It is designed for professionals involved in specific day-to-day IT service processes and operations. Rather than organizing modules around Lifecycle stages, the Capability stream focuses on grouped functional activities and roles.
The four modules in this stream are:
- Service Offerings and Agreements
- Release, Control, and Validation
- Operational Support and Analysis
- Planning, Protection, and Optimization
Each module explores multiple processes in detail, offering in-depth guidance on roles, responsibilities, process flows, measurement, and implementation. This stream is ideal for IT practitioners such as Service Desk Managers, Support Analysts, Change Managers, and Configuration Managers who are directly involved in service delivery and support.
How to Choose Between Lifecycle and Capability
Choosing between the Lifecycle and Capability streams depends largely on your current role and future career goals. If your work involves high-level planning, setting strategy, and managing services as a whole, the Lifecycle stream offers the kind of broad organizational knowledge you will need. It is geared toward professionals who influence service direction and oversee its execution.
If your responsibilities are more operational—if you are actively working with processes like incident management, change control, or capacity planning—the Capability stream provides the detailed, process-level knowledge required to perform those tasks effectively. It is intended for hands-on roles where operational excellence and process efficiency are critical.
When making your choice, reflect on the type of work you do every day. Ask yourself whether your focus is more on the big picture or on how individual processes work in practice. Also, consider your future ambitions—do you want to lead service initiatives or master specific processes?
Looking Ahead to Expert and Master Levels
Regardless of which stream you choose, your goal should be to build enough credits to qualify for the Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) module. This course brings together knowledge from both the Lifecycle and Capability perspectives and prepares you for the ITIL Expert certification.
While some professionals may benefit from taking courses in both streams, doing so should be strategic. Mixing streams is best suited for individuals whose roles span both management and technical responsibilities. However, it’s important to ensure that the combination of modules still provides a well-rounded foundation for succeeding in MALC.
It is also important to consider the final step in the ITIL journey—the ITIL Master certification. This level requires not only academic knowledge but also hands-on experience in applying ITIL principles. The path to Master begins with a solid foundation in either the Lifecycle or Capability stream, reinforced by comprehensive knowledge and practical insight.
Exploring the ITIL Lifecycle Stream in Detail
The ITIL Lifecycle stream is designed for IT professionals who are involved in designing, managing, and overseeing the delivery of IT services from a strategic and managerial perspective. This stream is ideal for individuals whose roles require them to understand not just how individual processes work, but how those processes fit into the larger framework of organizational service delivery.
Each module in the Lifecycle stream focuses on a specific phase of the ITIL Service Lifecycle. These phases represent the natural progression of services from their initial strategy through design, implementation, operation, and continual improvement. The modules provide insight into governance, policy, risk, business alignment, and the coordination required for seamless service management.
Unlike the Capability stream, which concentrates on individual processes, the Lifecycle stream addresses the roles, responsibilities, and interactions that define each stage of a service’s life. This approach makes it especially relevant for IT managers, service owners, process designers, and professionals aiming to align IT strategies with business outcomes.
Service Strategy Module
The Service Strategy module is the starting point of the Lifecycle stream. It provides learners with a thorough understanding of how to create and manage a strategic approach to IT service management. This includes the development of service portfolios, financial management of services, demand management, and the governance structures needed to support decision-making.
The purpose of Service Strategy is to ensure that IT services are planned and positioned effectively to meet business needs. This module emphasizes the importance of defining value, understanding customers and markets, and managing services as strategic assets. It introduces concepts such as service economics, value creation, and business-case development.
This module is best suited for professionals involved in service portfolio management, financial planning, or high-level decision-making. It also serves as a strong foundation for those who need to influence or lead IT strategy within their organization.
Service Design Module
Following the strategy, the Service Design module addresses how to translate strategic objectives into actual service designs. This phase of the lifecycle is where service planning takes place, including the design of new services and changes to existing ones. The goal is to ensure that services are fit for purpose, fit for use, and can be delivered and supported effectively.
This module covers areas such as service level management, availability management, capacity management, IT service continuity, security management, and supplier management. It introduces the Service Design Package (SDP), which becomes a blueprint for building and transitioning services.
Professionals responsible for creating service solutions, managing performance, or overseeing the development of service architecture will benefit from this module. It is also important for those who manage supplier relationships or are involved in defining service level agreements (SLAs).
Service Transition Module
The Service Transition module focuses on the implementation and deployment of IT services into the live environment. This stage ensures that service changes are carried out in a controlled and coordinated manner, minimizing risk and disruption to the business. It provides the processes and policies needed to transition services from design to operation smoothly.
This module explores key processes such as change management, release and deployment management, service asset and configuration management, knowledge management, and transition planning and support. It highlights the importance of proper planning, thorough testing, and effective communication during service transitions.
This module is essential for professionals involved in change control, configuration management, project delivery, or service rollout. It is also beneficial for those responsible for managing the lifecycle of service releases.
Service Operation Module
The Service Operation module focuses on the activities and processes required to deliver and support IT services in a live production environment. This stage of the lifecycle is where most customers interact with IT, making it one of the most visible and critical phases for service quality and reliability.
The module covers areas such as incident management, problem management, request fulfillment, access management, and event management. It also explores operational functions like the service desk, technical management, application management, and IT operations management.
The emphasis is on maintaining stable operations, ensuring quick restoration of services when incidents occur, and supporting users efficiently. This module is particularly useful for service desk supervisors, technical support leads, and operations managers who are responsible for daily service delivery.
Continual Service Improvement Module
The final stage in the Lifecycle stream is Continual Service Improvement (CSI). This module focuses on identifying opportunities to improve services, processes, and performance. It emphasizes the importance of measuring results, analyzing trends, and making data-driven improvements that support business outcomes.
CSI is not a one-time activity but an ongoing practice. The module introduces key techniques such as the Deming Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), the seven-step improvement process, and the use of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate success.
Professionals responsible for service reporting, quality assurance, performance analysis, or organizational development will find this module valuable. It supports roles that aim to improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and enhance service performance.
Who Should Choose the Lifecycle Stream
The Lifecycle stream is designed for professionals who have a leadership role in the design, implementation, or management of IT services. It is best suited for individuals who are involved in planning and controlling service strategies, developing long-term service improvement initiatives, or aligning IT services with the needs of the business.
Common job roles that benefit from this stream include IT managers, service owners, process managers, business relationship managers, and consultants. These individuals typically need a high-level understanding of how service phases relate to each other and how they contribute to delivering business value.
For those seeking advancement into senior IT management, the Lifecycle stream provides the strategic thinking and organizational insight needed to lead service transformation and digital change initiatives.
Lifecycle Stream and the Path to Expert
Each module in the Lifecycle stream awards 3 credits toward the ITIL Expert certification. By completing five modules, a candidate earns 15 credits. When combined with the 2 credits from Foundation and the 5 credits from Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC), this completes the requirement for ITIL Expert.
Learners who choose the Lifecycle stream gain a broad and integrated view of service management. This positions them well for MALC, which evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply ITIL concepts across all phases of the lifecycle and manage services from end to end.
Focusing on the Lifecycle stream builds a solid base of strategic knowledge. It prepares professionals to lead discussions about IT governance, cost management, risk mitigation, and performance optimization. It also opens doors to advisory and consultancy roles within organizations or in client-facing positions.
When to Consider the Lifecycle Stream
Choosing the Lifecycle stream should be based on your current responsibilities, your preferred way of working, and your career goals. If you are already managing people, defining policies, or working on the long-term strategy of your IT department, this stream will align with your needs.
It is also an excellent option for professionals who want to move into leadership, particularly in roles that involve overseeing entire services rather than individual components. By understanding each phase of the service lifecycle, you can anticipate challenges, coordinate activities across teams, and ensure services deliver the value expected by the business.
In many cases, even technical professionals choose the Lifecycle stream as they begin to transition into management roles. It helps them build the necessary strategic mindset and provides the language and tools needed to influence business decisions.
Exploring the ITIL Capability Stream in Detail
The Capability stream is one of the two main paths available to professionals who wish to continue their ITIL certification journey after completing the Foundation course. While the Lifecycle stream focuses on service phases and strategic alignment, the Capability stream is centered around the processes, roles, and skills required to deliver IT services effectively daily.
This stream is ideal for individuals working in operational, hands-on roles who need to develop a deeper understanding of how individual ITIL processes work in practice. The Capability modules cover process-level knowledge, offering detailed guidance on the responsibilities, activities, metrics, tools, and techniques that ensure services are delivered efficiently and consistently.
Professionals in roles such as service desk supervisors, IT support specialists, system administrators, and process coordinators will find the Capability stream especially useful. These modules equip learners with the practical tools needed to manage and improve specific IT service functions and workflows.
Structure of the Capability Stream
The Capability stream is composed of four distinct modules. Each module focuses on a set of related processes and is designed to deliver comprehensive training in that functional area. Unlike the Lifecycle stream, which addresses broad phases of service management, the Capability modules group processes based on their purpose and interdependence in the daily operation of IT services.
The four Capability modules are:
- Service Offerings and Agreements
- Release, Control, and Validation
- Operational Support and Analysis
- Planning, Protection, and Optimization
Each module provides 4 credits toward the ITIL Expert certification and includes practical instruction that goes beyond theory. The emphasis is on building skills that can be directly applied in the workplace to improve service quality, efficiency, and compliance.
Service Offerings and Agreements (SOA)
The Service Offerings and Agreements module focuses on processes that define, document, and manage service offerings and agreements with customers and suppliers. It teaches learners how to ensure that services meet agreed-upon expectations and that proper policies are in place to support service delivery.
This module includes processes such as service portfolio management, service catalog management, service level management, demand management, supplier management, and financial management for IT services. It also introduces concepts related to business relationship management and service measurement.
Professionals responsible for negotiating SLAs, managing service catalogs, planning service capacity, or handling supplier contracts will benefit greatly from this module. It provides the knowledge required to ensure that IT services are clearly defined, cost-effective, and aligned with business priorities.
Release, Control, and Validation (RCV)
The Release, Control, and Validation module covers the processes involved in planning, testing, deploying, and validating new or changed services. It is focused on ensuring that changes are implemented in a controlled manner with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
The core processes in this module include change management, service asset and configuration management, release and deployment management, service validation and testing, evaluation, and request fulfillment. These processes work together to reduce risk, ensure accountability, and confirm that services meet expected outcomes before being made live.
This module is particularly relevant for professionals involved in service deployment, release planning, or configuration management. It is also valuable for project managers and quality assurance teams who need to manage transitions between service design and operation in a consistent, repeatable way.
Operational Support and Analysis (OSA)
The Operational Support and Analysis module focuses on the processes and functions that support the stable and efficient operation of IT services in the live environment. It teaches how to manage incidents, solve problems, respond to user requests, and monitor the health of IT systems.
Key processes covered in this module include incident management, problem management, event management, access management, and request fulfillment. In addition, it examines supporting functions such as the service desk, IT operations management, technical management, and application management.
This module is well-suited for professionals who are responsible for day-to-day service support and operations. Service desk leads, technical support teams, operations managers, and infrastructure specialists will gain valuable insights into how to ensure service reliability and user satisfaction through structured support activities.
Planning, Protection, and Optimization (PPO)
The Planning, Protection, and Optimization module deals with the planning and management of services to ensure they are reliable, secure, available, and capable of meeting demand. It is focused on proactive processes that help prevent service disruptions and ensure continuity.
This module includes capacity management, availability management, IT service continuity management, information security management, and demand management. These processes work together to anticipate challenges, reduce risks, and ensure that services can deliver value consistently under changing conditions.
Professionals who work in IT infrastructure planning, risk management, continuity planning, or security will find this module highly relevant. It is designed for roles that require foresight and the ability to manage technical resources in a way that supports business performance and resilience.
Who Should Choose the Capability Stream
The Capability stream is designed for professionals who perform specific ITIL processes in their roles and need a deeper understanding of how those processes work. It is especially useful for individuals who are part of operations teams, support functions, or service implementation units. These roles often require detailed knowledge of workflows, process inputs and outputs, and day-to-day execution of IT service management tasks.
Typical job titles that align well with the Capability stream include incident managers, change coordinators, release managers, service desk supervisors, configuration analysts, operations engineers, and technical specialists. These roles are directly involved in maintaining and improving the performance of IT services.
Professionals who want to develop specialized skills, improve process efficiency, or become process owners will benefit from the focused approach of the Capability modules. This stream is also helpful for those preparing to move into process leadership positions or those tasked with improving service delivery in specific domains.
Capability Stream and the Path to Expert
Each Capability module awards 4 credits toward the ITIL Expert certification. Learners who complete any combination of Capability modules totaling 15 credits can combine these with the Foundation credits and the Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) module to meet the 22-credit requirement for Expert level.
The Capability stream provides an excellent foundation for the MALC module, especially for candidates who have deep operational knowledge. Since MALC integrates both strategic and practical perspectives, having a strong grasp of how processes operate will contribute significantly to success in that final stage.
Professionals who complete the Capability stream are well-prepared to take on specialized or senior technical roles. In many organizations, this stream supports career progression into process management, operations leadership, and advanced technical consulting.
When to Consider the Capability Stream
The Capability stream should be considered if your current role involves hands-on process work, technical troubleshooting, or service support. If you are regularly involved in service desk operations, change management, problem resolution, or infrastructure performance, the Capability modules will provide the depth of knowledge needed to succeed.
This stream is also ideal for individuals who want to become experts in specific ITIL processes. By focusing on detailed execution, the Capability modules enable professionals to become trusted process advisors and internal consultants within their organizations.
In some cases, professionals may begin with the Capability stream and transition into the Lifecycle stream as they move into management roles. The skills gained in the Capability modules provide a strong operational foundation that supports future leadership growth.
Combining Lifecycle and Capability Streams and Advancing to ITIL Expert and Master
The ITIL certification framework is intentionally flexible, allowing professionals to tailor their learning paths to match their roles and long-term objectives. While most candidates choose to follow either the Lifecycle or Capability stream exclusively, there are circumstances where combining the two can be beneficial.
Mixing modules from both streams allows learners to develop a balanced understanding of ITIL, gaining both strategic insight and operational knowledge. However, combining streams should be done with careful planning. Without a clear purpose or structure, a mixed approach may lead to redundancy or insufficient coverage of essential topics needed to progress to higher-level certifications.
Professionals should evaluate their current experience, career goals, and organizational responsibilities before deciding to combine the Lifecycle and Capability modules. The choice should support their broader career progression and ensure they acquire the necessary credit distribution to qualify for the Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) module and, ultimately, the ITIL Expert level.
When It Makes Sense to Combine Lifecycle and Capability
Combining the Lifecycle and Capability modules is not common, but it is sometimes the most appropriate route. This approach is especially useful for professionals who have roles that require both strategic oversight and technical execution. In modern IT environments, some job functions blur the lines between management and operations, making a combined path more relevant.
For example, an IT Service Manager may be responsible for setting policies and aligning services with business goals, but also needs to understand process workflows and implementation challenges. In such a case, combining Service Strategy or Service Design with Operational Support and Analysis or Release Control and Validation can provide both strategic context and operational detail.
Similarly, a consultant working with multiple organizations may benefit from understanding both streams in order to advise on service design while also helping teams improve hands-on service support practices.
A combined approach is also valuable for professionals who already have practical experience in one area and want to expand their knowledge into another. Someone with a strong operational background may wish to develop strategic insight to prepare for a leadership role. Conversely, a manager with a theoretical understanding of ITIL may need to deepen their knowledge of specific processes to improve implementation success.
Planning a Balanced Certification Path
To successfully combine the Lifecycle and Capability streams, it is essential to understand how credit accumulation works and how different modules complement each other. Each Lifecycle module earns 3 credits, while each Capability module earns 4 credits. The Foundation course provides 2 credits, and the MALC module provides 5 credits.
The goal is to reach at least 22 credits to qualify for the ITIL Expert certification. This means that any combination of Intermediate modules totaling 15 credits, when combined with the 2 credits from Foundation and 5 from MALC, will satisfy the requirement.
One effective strategy is to complete three Capability modules (totaling 12 credits) and one Lifecycle module (3 credits). Another option is to complete two Lifecycle modules (6 credits) and three Capability modules (12 credits), totaling 18 credits. These combinations allow for flexibility without sacrificing depth or coverage.
Professionals should select modules that not only meet credit requirements but also enhance their understanding of their specific work context. Reviewing course descriptions, consulting with mentors, or seeking input from training providers can help ensure that selected modules align with personal development goals.
Preparing for Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC)
Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) is the final step before reaching the ITIL Expert level. It is a capstone module that integrates knowledge from both the Lifecycle and Capability perspectives. The MALC module emphasizes the ability to apply ITIL principles in real-world situations, manage the service lifecycle as a whole, and coordinate processes across different domains.
The MALC course includes topics such as governance, service management capability, stakeholder management, communication, organizational change, and service value realization. It builds on the knowledge gained in previous modules and tests the learner’s ability to think critically, manage complexity, and lead service management initiatives.
Because MALC requires a holistic view of ITIL, candidates who have completed modules from both streams are often better prepared. They can draw connections between strategy and execution, making them more effective in the real-world application of ITIL principles.
To succeed in MALC, professionals should review content from all prior modules, understand the relationships between processes, and be able to articulate how each process contributes to the overall service lifecycle. Case studies, group discussions, and scenario-based exercises are often used in MALC training to reinforce this integrated thinking.
Achieving the ITIL Expert Certification
Once a candidate completes the MALC module and meets the credit requirements, they earn the ITIL Expert certification. This credential signifies a comprehensive and balanced understanding of the ITIL framework. It demonstrates that the professional can integrate service management principles across an organization and lead teams in applying ITIL practices effectively.
The ITIL Expert designation is highly respected across industries. It qualifies professionals for advanced roles such as IT Service Manager, Head of Service Management, ITIL Consultant, or Director of IT Services. It also opens the door to specialized opportunities in service design, process optimization, and IT transformation initiatives.
More than just an academic achievement, ITIL Expert reflects a commitment to continual improvement and best practice. It indicates that the holder has both theoretical knowledge and practical insight into how to implement ITIL in diverse and dynamic environments.
Understanding the ITIL Master Level
Beyond the Expert level lies the ITIL Master certification — the highest designation within the ITIL framework. This level is not based on completing specific courses or exams but is awarded based on demonstrated experience, practical application, and strategic insight.
To apply for the ITIL Master certification, candidates must have already achieved the ITIL Expert designation. They must also submit a proposal for a real-world ITIL initiative they have led, complete a work package documenting the planning and execution of that initiative, and attend an interview to present and defend their work.
The Master level assesses whether the candidate has successfully applied ITIL practices in a complex, real-world setting. It evaluates not only technical execution but also leadership, innovation, and the ability to drive measurable improvements in service quality and business outcomes.
This certification is best suited for senior professionals such as IT Directors, Service Management Consultants, or CIOs who are actively leading service transformation efforts. It requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and proven results.
Choosing the Right Path for Long-Term Success
Whether you choose to follow the Lifecycle stream, the Capability stream, or a combination of both, the most important factor is alignment with your career goals and job responsibilities. The ITIL certification path is not just about collecting credentials — it is about developing the skills and insight needed to make a meaningful impact in your organization.
By understanding the differences between the streams, planning your progression carefully, and preparing thoroughly for each stage, you can use the ITIL framework as a foundation for career growth, organizational leadership, and service excellence.
Each step in the ITIL path builds upon the last. The Foundation level gives you language and context. The Intermediate modules develop depth. MALC tests integration. And the Expert and Master levels validate your ability to lead and innovate. Your journey through the ITIL framework can mirror your growth as a professional — from awareness to expertise, and ultimately, to mastery.
Final Thoughts
The journey beyond ITIL v3 Foundation can seem uncertain at first, but with a clear understanding of the ITIL certification structure, professionals can confidently chart a path that aligns with both their current responsibilities and long-term goals. The decision between the Lifecycle and Capability streams is not just a matter of preference — it is a strategic choice that should reflect your role within your organization, your working style, and the depth or breadth of knowledge you seek to develop.
For those focused on leadership, governance, and high-level service strategy, the Lifecycle stream provides a strong framework. It allows you to see the bigger picture and understand how service management ties into broader business objectives. On the other hand, if your work involves hands-on implementation, problem-solving, or technical execution, the Capability stream equips you with the detailed process knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality services consistently.
In some cases, blending both streams may provide a richer, more adaptable skill set, especially for professionals in dynamic roles that span both strategic and operational responsibilities. Combining modules requires careful planning but offers a more holistic view of ITIL in action.
Progressing to the Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) module and achieving ITIL Expert certification marks a significant milestone. It reflects not only a comprehensive grasp of ITIL but also the ability to apply it across organizational boundaries. For those who continue to ITIL Master, the path becomes even more rigorous and rewarding, demanding real-world application and demonstrated leadership.
Ultimately, the ITIL certification path is more than a series of courses — it is a professional development journey that supports continual learning, improvement, and contribution to service excellence. Whether you’re advancing your career, enhancing your team’s capabilities, or driving transformational change in your organization, understanding your options and choosing the right path will empower you to get the most value from the ITIL framework.
Take your time to reflect on your experience, evaluate your goals, and invest in the stream that aligns with the future you envision. With a strong foundation, a thoughtful progression plan, and a commitment to mastery, you will be well-positioned to lead in the evolving world of IT service management.