For many enterprises, information and the technology that supports it represents their most valuable, but often least understood asset.
Russell Steyn, General Manager for Strategic Development at Foster-Melliar, adds that successful enterprises recognise the benefits of information technology and use it to drive stakeholder value.
"In South Africa, corporate governance and compliance are becoming increasingly more important, and front of mind for many CIOs. World events such as Enron and Soci'et'e G'en'erale as well as regulatory tightening are fuelling this drive."
In line with this, Foster-Melliar will launch its first Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT) essentials course, with classes scheduled to take place from June 2008.
Foster-Melliar is an official licensee of COBIT content for training, a wholly owned subsidiary of Simeka Business Group and one of South Africa's leading business service management (BSM) solution providers.
The need for assurance about the value of IT, the management of IT-related risks and increased requirements for control over information are key elements of enterprise governance.
"Aligning IT and organisational goals is essential for company success. COBIT is a framework that provides both the IT organisation AND the business with the necessary assurances that the technology, people and processes underpinning IT service delivery are sound. COBIT ensures that not only are the right things being done, but that things are being done right, to coin an old phrase!" says Steyn.
Foster-Melliar's COBIT Essentials Course will provide delegates with a set of best practices specifically associated with information technology management. COBIT is one of the best practice frameworks such as ITIL, PRINCE2 and ISO 20000 that has become the quintessential standard in the IT service industry and plays a vital role in the process identification that forms the foundation of successful BSM solution.
"The COBIT Essentials Course is predominantly aimed at IT executives, leaders, developers and related positions and is aimed at providing delegates with the competency that is needed to successfully align IT goals and objectives with that of the business, understanding the COBIT auditing method, and will arm delegates with the knowledge that is needed to complete the official certificate exam issued by ISACA," concludes Steyn.
For further information, visit www.Foster-Melliar.co.za.
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The framework was created by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) in partnership with the IT Governance Institute (ITGI) in 1992 and is the world's leading IT governance and control framework. CobiT provides managers, auditors, and IT users with a set of generally accepted measures, indicators, processes and best practices to assist them in maximising the benefits derived through the use of information technology and developing appropriate IT governance and control in a company.
Foster-Melliar
Foster-Melliar, a wholly owned subsidiary of black-owned Simeka Business Group, a public company listed on the JSE's AltX, sets the benchmark in the business service management and IT service management arena in South Africa. Foster-Melliar provides organisations with proprietary and best practice methodologies coupled with world-class consulting, integrated enterprise management systems and training. In 1994, Foster-Melliar began its pioneering approach by introducing and delivering ITIL to the local market. Foster-Melliar has remained on top of its game through an unwavering commitment to knowledge, quality and customer service.