IT service management defines how IT teams manage the end-to-end delivery of IT services to customers. This encompasses all the processes to design, build, deliver, operate and control information technology services offered to customers.
Differing from more technology-oriented IT management approaches like network management and IT systems management, IT service management is characterized by adopting a process approach towards management, focusing on customer needs and IT services for customers rather than just IT systems, and stressing continual improvement.