MOF Resources



Microsoft Operations Framework Self-Assessment Tool 2.0


The MOF Self-Assessment Tool is based on the Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) and IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices. It guides you through the development of a detailed problem-and-impact analysis of a targeted IT service or operational process. This tool is designed to enable you to:
  • Better understand the effectiveness of the IT services and processes in your organization.
  • Define a specific problem or opportunity regarding your IT services and/or processes
  • Identify a variety of follow-up actions based on information you provide.

Once you complete a 15- to 20-minute assessment, you receive a detailed report including the assessment data, a problem statement, a summary of impacts on the organization, and a customized next-step list of recommendations to help remediate the identified problem.



MOF Management Reviews (beta)


The MOF Management Reviews will help organizations ensure that their IT services are on track to deliver expected business value. They offer guidance to help management set goals, evaluate progress, and confirm results.

The following Management Reviews are available for download:
  • Operational Health
  • Policy and Control
  • Portfolio
  • Project Plan Approved
  • Release Readiness
  • Service Alignment
Download the beta MOF Management Reviews on Microsoft Connect.


The MOF Service Mapping is intended to introduce the content, structure, development, usage, and benefits of service maps. This guidance will help users better understand and utilize these graphical representations of an IT service that illustrate the various components upon which that service relies.

Download the beta MOF Service Mapping guide on Microsoft Connect.


MOF Companion Guides Now Available for Download


The first guides of a new series of MOF Companion Guides are now available for download. These companion guides apply MOF to specific scenarios and challenges faced by IT professionals. The guides walk users through the research and planning processes of implementing virtualization or software-plus-services strategies. They enable the reader to quickly determine which strategies are right for their business, which offerings make sense for their needs, how to select a service provider, and how to best prepare for implementation. 

The first five guides for the Plan Phase of MOF are available for download: Planning for Virtualization, Planning for Software-plus-Services, Planning for ISO/IEC 20000, Cross Reference ITIL® V3 and MOF 4.0 and Using MOF for ISO/IEC 20000.

About the MOF Companion Guides

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Follow the instructions below to download the MOF guides:

To access the beta downloads, follow these steps:
1. Visit the MOF Beta at http://connect.microsoft.com.
2. Sign in using a valid Windows Live ID to continue to the Invitations page.
3. Scroll down to Microsoft Operations Framework.

 



MOF and ITIL Comparison


Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) is Microsoft’s version of ITIL (made easy). MOF did not rise in popularity as quickly as ITIL, in part, because no certification existed…until now. View this printable PDF to learn more about the differences between MOF and ITIL.

MOF is Microsoft’s standard for Service Management (SM). ITIL is the “defacto” standard for Service Management (SM).
MOF is proven/broadly accepted. ITIL is proven/broadly accepted.
MOF uses a Lifecycle approach to SM. ITIL uses a Lifecycle approach to SM.
MOF is free and the books are a free download. ITIL is “free” but the books must be purchased.
MOF is composed of one book (approximately 600 pages). ITIL is composed of five books (approximately 2000 pages).
MOF uses a question-based component to assist in determining where to focus and how to begin. ITIL is more descriptive, but less supportive.
MOF’s lifecycle is comprised of three phases and a Manage component. ITIL’s lifecycle is comprised of four phases with a Continual Service Improvement component.
MOF 4.0 Foundation is a two-day course. ITIL v3 Foundation is a three-day course.