ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a live environment in IT service delivery?

1. A controlled environment used to test service reliability

2. A controlled environment used in the delivery of IT services

3. An unregulated space for experimenting with new technologies

4. A backup environment for maintaining data integrity

The correct answer is: A controlled environment used in the delivery of IT services

The purpose of a live environment in IT service delivery is fundamentally tied to its role as a controlled environment used in the delivery of IT services. This environment is where actual users interact with the delivered services and applications. It is essential for ensuring that the IT services function as intended, providing real value to end-users and meeting their operational needs. In contrast to testing environments, which are used to evaluate the reliability of services under controlled conditions, the live environment operates under real-world conditions. Here, IT services must maintain high availability, performance, and security, as any disruptions directly affect user experience and business operations. The live environment is where planned changes and updates to services are deployed, maintaining an ongoing delivery to users while ensuring that the necessary controls and governance are in place. While options suggesting environments meant for experimentation, backup, or controlled testing purposes can contribute to service delivery in their own right, they do not define the live environment’s primary function. The essence of a live environment lies in its active role in supporting and delivering IT services to users in real time.