How do I run my IT shop?

I know, I know... another post with a bunch of links from Sean.  You may even scroll past this post to get to the latest Lolcats pic in your newsreader. 

Here. 

Here's a cute kitty with a witty caption.  Is that good enough?  Did you get it out of your system?   Good.  Let's get back to my post.

moar funny pictures

Alright... If you run an IT shop, and would like to run a tighter ship; or if you just started at the Help Desk and would like to understand the different functions of running a well managed IT Shop, or if you are the kind of person that clicks on every "free e-books" link from DIGG, you will want to read through the guides below.  My standard "these are great for getting smarter, passing certifications, or going into job interviews" still apply. 

In short, the Microsoft Operations Framework includes 22 (unless I counted wrong) Service Management Functions.  These functions (such as Security Management, Workforce Management, Capacity Management, etc) will be found in most IT shops (although if you work in a small enough company, you may serve as the Security Manager, Infrastructure Manager, and HR Generalist... these guides are still useful).

Pick one, read it, and you will be smarter when you are done.  If you like the one you read, you can download the rest of the chapters to read offline (or online... whatever floats your boat).

MOF Service Management Functions

Service Management Functions (SMFs) provide operational guidance for Microsoft technologies employed in computing environments for information technology applications. SMFs are a core part of Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF), which provides guidance through courses, services, guides, and other media that enable organizations to achieve mission-critical system reliability, availability, supportability, and manageability of IT solutions.

Download individual chapters of the SMF Operations Guide

See full-sized image.

Listed below are chapters of the SMF Operations Guide:

•Availability Management

•Capacity Management

•Change Management

•Configuration Management

•Directory Services Administration

•Financial Management

•Incident Management

•Infrastructure Engineering

•Job Scheduling

•MOF Service Management Function Overview

•Network Administration

•Problem Management

•Release Management

•Security Administration

•Security Management

•Service Continuity Management

•Service Desk

•Service Level Management

•Service Monitoring and Control

•Storage Management

•System Administration

•Workforce Management

Download individual chapters of the SMF Operations Guide