3. Process Maturity for vCloud Operations : 3.2 VMware-Specific Process Maturity Scale
   
3.2 VMware-Specific Process Maturity Scale
The following figure shows the VMware vCloud-based process maturity scale. Organizations move from left to right on this scale over time, with a final goal of delivering IT as a Service (ITaaS) within a vCloud.
Figure 5. vCloud Process Maturity Scale
 
The following table describes the process maturity scale states.
Table 1. Process Maturity Scale Legend
Maturity Level
Description
Standardization
Level 1
Basic operational processes and tools are adapted for core virtualization but not for vCloud computing. Processes objectives are defined, but activities are performed manually.
Defined/Controlled
Level 2
 
Limited operational processes and tools are adapted for vCloud computing. Processes objectives are documented. Organization roles and responsibilities are defined. There is limited, automated integration with existing IT processes (change, configuration, others).
Service Broker
Level 3
There is complete operational control over processes and tools, and a vCloud COE is established and in place. The organization is more service-driven and offers services directly to business users through a service catalog. Operational processes are service-focused and proactive. Service, design, and development procedures are clearly defined.
Business Automation
Level 4
There are automated process management policies and operational controls in place. Organization focus moves toward business agility—critical business services are offered through the vCloud with complete operational control. Detailed measurements and metrics are automatically collected and available for consumption. An expanded COE is established to support vCloud operations.
Strategic Partner
Level 5
Operational control is automated and policy-driven. Automated self-healing operations remediate errors and maintain quality of service. All processes are integrated, and the organization can consistently achieve ITaaS objectives and satisfy business demands.