ISO/IEC 20000-2:2012 provides guidance on the application of service management systems (SMS) based on the requirements in ISO/IEC 20000-1.

ISO/IEC 20000-2:2012 enables organizations and individuals to interpret ISO/IEC 20000-1 more accurately, and therefore to use it more effectively. The guidance includes examples and suggestions to enable organizations to interpret and apply ISO/IEC 20000-1, including references to other parts of ISO/IEC 20000 and other relevant standards.

This includes guidance on the use of an SMS for the planning, design, transition, delivery and improvement of the SMS and services. At a minimum this includes service management policies, objectives, plans, service management processes, process interfaces, documentation and resources. The SMS provides ongoing control, greater effectiveness, efficiency and opportunities for continual improvement of service management and of services. It enables an organization to work effectively with a shared vision.

ISO/IEC 20000 promotes adoption of an integrated process approach to effectively deliver managed services to meet business and customer requirements. To function effectively, an organization has to identify and manage numerous linked activities. Coordinated integration and implementation of service management processes provides ongoing control, greater efficiency and opportunities for continual improvement.