The ITIL Service Transition stage and its processes, as shown in Figure 2, ensure that modified services meet the organisation's needs. This stage transforms IT projects from planning to operational reality, turning initiatives into active, value-adding services.

The Service Transition processes include:

• Release and Deployment Management: Protects the live environment by using formal procedures to plan, design, build, configure, and test hardware and software releases, creating a defined set of release components. Service Testing and Validation: Ensures that new or changed services function properly and meet customer expectations before deployment, adhering to agreed specifications.
• Change Control: Formerly known as Change Management in earlier ITIL versions, this process manages the lifecycle of all changes, including IT code changes, system updates, network modifications, and service configuration alterations. It ensures changes are assessed and authorised before implementation in the live environment to minimise impacts on IT service quality. Change control maintains integrity and traceability throughout the IT infrastructure through careful planning, testing, and documentation.
• Transition Planning and Support: Manages resources, methods, and technologies to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption when updating new, modified, or retired services.
• Configuration and Asset Management: Identifies, documents, and manages service assets and configuration items, enhancing service management by ensuring accurate information about supporting assets and configurations.
• Knowledge Management: This process reduces the need to rediscover knowledge by gathering, analysing, sharing, and maintaining readily available information within the organisation.