ITIL is a framework created by the UK government to provide best practices for IT service management. It emerged in the 1980s to improve quality in IT services. The framework has been updated over time, with the latest version 3 published in 2007. ITIL describes best practices for various stages of the IT service lifecycle, including service strategy, design, transition, operation, and continual improvement. IT certification and training are available to help organizations implement ITIL practices to benefits like improved services, costs, and customer satisfaction.