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Service Now Discovery Fundamentals and Live Demo

Science & Technology

Introduction

ServiceNow Discovery is an application that runs on the ServiceNow platform, enabling companies to automatically scan their network and identify hardware and software within their IT infrastructure. This accurate and up-to-date data helps populate the Configuration Management Database (CMDB). In this article, we will delve into the fundamentals of ServiceNow Discovery, including its functionality, architecture, configuration of necessary components such as MID Servers, and a live demonstration of the discovery process.

Overview of ServiceNow Discovery

ServiceNow Discovery operates by scanning a company's network to identify devices such as computers, servers, routers, and any other assets with an IP address. It also discovers the software applications running on these devices, including databases, virtual machines, and web servers. The information gathered during this process is stored in the CMDB, a structured collection of database tables that models the company’s IT infrastructure in a service-oriented manner.

While an automated discovery tool like ServiceNow Discovery is the most efficient option, organizations can also manually input data or import it from existing inventory systems. However, automated discovery offers substantial advantages over these approaches.

Key Functions of Discovery

  • Agentless: ServiceNow Discovery does not require any software agents to be installed on devices. This simplification allows for easy deployment and avoids unnecessary complexity.

  • Subscription-Based: Companies must purchase a subscription to access the Discovery tool, which is included in one of ServiceNow’s extensive application bundles.

Architecture and Components

To bridge the gap between the ServiceNow instance containing the CMDB and the company's network, a Management Instrumentation Discovery (MID) Server must be installed within the network. The MID Server is a lightweight Java application that facilitates communication and data transfer. It operates by making outbound HTTPS calls to the ServiceNow instance, utilizing an External Communication Channel (ECC).

Multiple MID Servers

For optimal performance, deploying multiple MID Servers closer to where devices are located is typically recommended. This geographical strategy enhances the discovery process by improving network efficiency. MID Servers can be installed on both Windows and Linux operating systems, although Windows installations are preferred for better compatibility with different protocols.

Configuration and Validation

Before using a MID Server, it must be validated. Once validated, it becomes ready to facilitate discovery tasks. The MID Server Dashboard is useful for monitoring the performance and status of all configured MID Servers within the network.

The Four Phases of Discovery

The discovery process consists of four key phases:

  1. Scanning: Probes scan IP addresses to identify reachable devices and open ports.
  2. Classification: Determines the type of devices based on the discovered ports and additional probing.
  3. Identification: Checks if the device already exists in the CMDB or if a new CI (Configuration Item) should be created.
  4. Exploration: Gathers more detailed information about the device concerning its hardware specifications, installed software, and more.

Each phase builds on the results of the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the IT environment.

Live Demonstration

To demonstrate the discovery process, users can initiate a quick discovery against a target device by specifying its IP address and selecting the relevant MID Server. Upon execution, a discovery status record provides insights into the process, including input and output records exchanged between the MID Server and the ServiceNow instance as well as the active state of the discovery execution.

At the completion of a discovery scan, you can access valuable information about any discovered devices, including their configuration details, manufacturer specifications, software, and network attributes.

Credential Management

One of the biggest challenges in implementing Discovery is managing credentials. Credentials are necessary for the MID Server to access and gather information from devices. Stored in an encrypted format, credentials are securely passed to MID Servers. A successful credential allows for the creation of a Credential Affinity record, which ensures the correct credentials are used in future scans.

ServiceNow Discovery allows for various types of credentials, including those for Windows, Linux, AWS, and SNMP devices.

Conclusion

ServiceNow Discovery provides a robust tool for automating the identification and classification of devices within a company's IT infrastructure. From installation and configuration to understanding the detailed phases of the discovery process, this application significantly enhances efficiency in managing technology assets.

Keywords

ServiceNow, Discovery, CMDB, MID Server, scanning, classification, identification, exploration, credentials, IT infrastructure.

FAQ

What is ServiceNow Discovery?
ServiceNow Discovery is an application that scans a network to automatically identify hardware and software assets, populating the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) for accurate IT modeling.

How does Discovery work?
Discovery operates through four key phases: scanning, classification, identification, and exploration, enabling organizations to gather details about their IT environment.

What are MID Servers?
Management Instrumentation Discovery (MID) Servers are lightweight applications installed within a company’s network that facilitate communication between the ServiceNow instance and devices on the network.

Do I need to install agents for Discovery?
No, ServiceNow Discovery is agentless, which means no additional software needs to be installed on devices for them to be discovered.

What credentials are required for Discovery?
Credentials are necessary for the MID Server to access and gather data from discovered devices. These can include various types, such as for Windows and Linux servers, AWS, and SNMP devices.