An IT service catalog, sometimes called an IT service portfolio, is a list of all available technology services and offerings provided by an IT organization. The catalog contains information about deliverables, prices, contact points and processes for requesting each service. Typically, a service catalog will have two views, a customer-facing view from which employees browse and select services — and a technical view that documents exactly what is required to deliver each service in the catalog. In most organizations, the IT Service catalog includes a very broad list of general services and can be public facing. Here are a few examples of some real life service catalogs: Ohio State University & Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The concept of a Service Catalog is very similar to a large department store like Target or Costco. Standing at the entrance of the store and looking around you can see all the different areas within the store; electronics, books, clothing, household items, hardware, food, and often a pharmacy. That one area of the store, the pharmacy, is different from the others and requires special processes that govern the preparation and dispensing of product. The pharmacy must understand each customer’s unique requirements along with safety measures to reduce conflicts between drugs, health risks, and the specific regulations and rules it needs to follow when fulfilling customer requests.
In many ways, this is similar to the role an enterprise app store fulfills for the IT service catalog. Deploying software has unique requirements to ensure that applications work on employees devices without conflicts, that licenses and approvals are obtained, and that corporate policies are followed and documented. Like pharmaceuticals, enterprise software can be very expensive and companies often institute corporate policies aimed at ensuring that they are getting the best return on their investment.
Within your IT Service Catalog you need an app store that specializes in enterprise software deployment to manage and execute the governance required and protect the enterprise rom risk. In many ways Flexera Software App Portal is like the pharmacy for the IT Service Catalog!
Learn more about Flexera Software App Portal, download the white paper: 7 Best Practices for Governance and Compliance Using an Enterprise App Store
Universal App Store – Pharmacy | |
Provides desktop and mobile apps for all employees | Provides prescription medicine for all ages |
Automated software approval and governance | Plugged into the doctors network for approved prescriptions |
Knows what devices and applications the employee has | Knows what drugs you’re on and requirements of your medical plan |
Understands what apps are used and keeps employees informed when updates are available | Understands your prescriptions and notifies you when refills are available |
Employees can choose a selection of applications from full suites to individual apps | Let’s customers choose name brand or generic drugs |
Automatically Checks for License Availability | Verifies prescriptions |
Reclaims Unused Software Licenses | Return un-used drugs for recycling |
Enterprise software deployed without a license opens companies to fines and audit risk | Pharmacies that dispense medication without a prescription are open to fines and lawsuits. |
Works with leading ITSM systems for a complete solution and a one stop shopping experience. | Pharmacies work within the department store for a one stop shopping experience. |
What does an App Store, an IT Service Catalog and a Pharmacy Have in Common?
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