Tips for Picking the Best ServiceNow Asset Data Source

Are you looking to streamline your asset management process with ServiceNow but are overwhelmed by the vast amount of data sources available? With so many options to choose from, it can be easy to get lost in the data jungle. In this blog, we discuss the four main categories of ServiceNow asset data sources and provide tips on how to pick the right one for your organisation.

1. Service Graph Connectors: The Most Comprehensive and Resilient Connectivity Solution 

Service Graph Connectors are the most comprehensive and resilient connectivity solution available for ServiceNow asset data sources. They offer an out-of-the-box integration with ServiceNow's Configuration Management Database (CMDB), which provides a holistic view of all IT assets, services, and their interrelationships. Service Graph Connectors support a wide range of data sources, including cloud providers, network devices, and security appliances. They offer the least technical debt, complexity, cost, and time to deliver, making them an ideal choice for organisations with limited resources. Service Graph Connectors also offer the highest degree of supportability and manageability, receiving regular updates from ServiceNow.

2. ServiceNow Integration Spokes & Store Applications: Developed and Published by ServiceNow 

ServiceNow Integration Spokes and Store Applications are developed by ServiceNow and may be published to the ServiceNow Store, a marketplace that exclusively features applications developed for the ServiceNow platform. They offer a range of pre-built connectors and adapters for popular data sources, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. ServiceNow Store applications inherit some technical debt, complexity, cost, and time to deliver, but they are still a reliable and easy-to-use option for organisations that want to streamline their asset management process. ServiceNow Integration Spokes and Store Applications also offer a high degree of supportability and manageability, receiving regular updates from ServiceNow.

3. 3rd Party Connectors: Developed by Third-Party Providers 

3rd Party Connectors are applications created by third-party providers and are also potentially available for download in the ServiceNow Store. They offer a wider range of connectors and adapters than ServiceNow Store applications, but they may come with some technical debt, complexity, cost, and time to deliver. It's essential to thoroughly vet 3rd party connectors to ensure that they meet your organisation's needs and are compatible with your ServiceNow instance. Supportability and manageability for 3rd party connectors may vary depending on their provider and how frequently they receive updates.

4. Custom Integrations: In-House Developed Integrations 

Custom Integrations are in-house developed integrations that are not currently available through ServiceNow or any third-party provider. They offer the highest degree of customisation and flexibility, but they also inherit the most technical debt, complexity, cost, and time to deliver. Custom integrations require a dedicated team of developers to build and maintain, which can be a significant investment for organisations with limited resources. Supportability and manageability for custom integrations may vary depending on the in-house team's expertise and availability.

In Summary

Picking the right ServiceNow asset data source can be challenging, but by understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each category, organisations can make informed decisions that align with their needs and resources.

• Service Graph Connectors offer the most comprehensive and resilient connectivity solution with the highest degree of supportability and manageability.
• ServiceNow Store applications offer a reliable and easy-to-use option with a high degree of supportability and manageability.
• 3rd Party Connectors offer a wider range of connectors and adapters but may require more vetting for compatibility and support.
• Custom Integrations offer the highest degree of customisation and flexibility but may require a significant investment in technical debt, complexity, cost, time to deliver, supportability, and manageability.

Ultimately, it's crucial to consider supportability and manageability when selecting an asset data source to ensure a smooth and streamlined asset management process.