What does a service catalog provide?

A service catalog serves as a crucial component within IT service management (ITSM), specifically by providing a structured document that details live IT services available to customers and users within an organization. This catalog acts as a common reference point where stakeholders can understand the offerings, terms, and conditions of various IT services.

The inclusion of elements such as service descriptions, pricing, service levels, and ordering instructions makes it a vital tool for both service management and customer engagement. By having a consolidated view of all available services, users can make informed decisions about what services they want to utilize, how they can access them, and what to expect in terms of service quality.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the essence of what a service catalog is designed to provide. Information on IT employment opportunities, lists of IT staff contacts, and security protocols are outside the scope of a service catalog's purpose, which is focused specifically on the services that the IT department offers to meet business needs.