What is ServiceNow?

 

Journey of ServiceNow: Navigating the Magical Realms of Business Transformation

In the vast landscape of modern businesses, where efficiency and streamlined operations are paramount, ServiceNow emerges as a powerful sorcerer, wielding the magic of automation, collaboration, and service excellence. This cloud-based SaaS platform transcends traditional boundaries, offering a versatile toolkit to transform the way organizations manage workflows, service delivery, and overall operational efficiency. 

Let's try to understand what is ServiceNow. And, what ServiceNow can do in simple terms so that even younger kids can also get the feel and have the idea what a ServiceNow developer do to make things work!

Unveiling the IT Wizardry:

ServiceNow, at its core, is like a wizard for the world of information technology. Imagine the IT department as a magical realm where computers sometimes misbehave or need a little bit of spellwork to keep everything running smoothly. ServiceNow steps in as the wizard's staff, wielding the power of Incident Management magic, following the principles of ITIL. When a computer hiccup occurs, it doesn't just fix the problem; it orchestrates a symphony of solutions through its Flow Designer, creating automated spells to ensure a seamless, enchanting experience.

Beyond Computers: The Robotic Ally and PaaS Enchantment:

As the magical journey unfolds, ServiceNow proves to be more than just a companion for computers; it's a robotic ally for diverse business functions. Picture an enchanted robot friend navigating through the office, connecting different tools and services using the Integration Hub and adhering to the principles of ITIL. It's like having a personal assistant, not just for tasks but also for managing the entire business landscape. With its PaaS capabilities, ServiceNow becomes a magical platform, providing the foundation for creating and deploying custom applications tailored to the unique needs of the business.

The Enchantment of Automagic Powers:

In the enchanted forest of tasks and responsibilities, ServiceNow possesses automagic powers akin to a diligent robot. The Workflow Automation magic, channeled through the Flow Designer and built on the PaaS foundation, is like having a magical broom sweeping away repetitive tasks. It frees up time for business sorcerers to focus on more exciting and creative endeavors, turning the workplace into a playground of endless possibilities.

Asking for Services: Navigating the Service Catalog and SaaS Magic:

ServiceNow introduces the Service Catalog, a mystical menu where employees can request services as if casting spells. Imagine someone needing a new computer to embark on a gaming adventure. They can submit a request through the Service Catalog, activating the Service Request Management magic. Behind the scenes, the Integration Hub collaborates with different tools and services, orchestrating a seamless delivery of the requested magical device, ensuring every wish is granted. This service delivery magic is amplified by the SaaS nature of ServiceNow, making applications and services easily accessible over the cloud.

The CMDB: A Treasure Trove of Information and ITIL Wisdom:

At the heart of ServiceNow lies the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), a grand repository of knowledge. Visualize this as a treasure chest containing information about every magical artifact a company possesses. The CMDB, with its vast wisdom and adherence to ITIL practices, helps business wizards locate, understand, and optimize their assets, ensuring a well-organized and informed magical journey.

Teamwork and Sharing with Integration Hub and Spokes:

ServiceNow is more than a solo performer; it's a conductor orchestrating a symphony of teamwork. The Integration Hub, akin to a magical communication network, facilitates seamless interactions between different tools and systems. Imagine special helpers, known as Spokes, enhancing this magical orchestra by enabling effective communication. ServiceNow becomes the conductor, ensuring that every tool and service plays its part harmoniously in the magical business performance.

Crafting Reports and Stories with Reporting and Analytics:

In the realm of enchanted storytelling, ServiceNow shines as a master storyteller. Its Reporting and Analytics features are like quills and parchment, documenting the adventures of the business superhero team. Imagine drawing colorful pictures and writing about all the magical achievements – that's how ServiceNow helps businesses share their exciting stories, providing insights for future enchantments.

Fortifying the Kingdom: Security Operations Magic and SaaS Shield:

In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, ServiceNow emerges as a formidable knight. Its Security Operations magic safeguards the kingdom from sneaky villains. Picture a protective shield, where ServiceNow uses Client-side and Server-side scripts as secret spells to keep the kingdom's secrets safe from any dark forces. This shield is further strengthened by the SaaS architecture of ServiceNow, providing a secure and scalable fortress against potential threats.

The Grand Finale:

So, ServiceNow is not merely a tool; it's a magical enabler for businesses. It simplifies tasks, enhances collaboration, and ensures the smooth operation of the magical kingdom with its ITSM (IT Service Management) and beyond. This enchanted platform, built on SaaS and PaaS principles, becomes the secret weapon for success, turning businesses into superheroes embarking on thrilling adventures every day.

In the mystical world of ServiceNow, businesses transform into magical realms where innovation, collaboration, and efficiency reign supreme. The journey is not just about tools and technologies; it's a grand saga of business transformation, where every day unfolds new chapters of enchantment and success.

Now that we've delved into the enchanted realms of ServiceNow, you might wonder, "How can one become a skilled wizard in the world of ServiceNow magic?" Fear not, aspiring enchanters, for learning ServiceNow is an exciting journey that can lead to magical certifications and mastery of the platform.

A. Learning the Spells: ServiceNow Training Programs

Official ServiceNow Training: ServiceNow offers official training programs designed to guide apprentices through the magical arts of the platform. These courses cover a variety of topics, from ITSM to application development. It's like attending Hogwarts for wizards, but in the digital realm!

ServiceNow Documentation and Community: The enchanted scrolls of ServiceNow documentation are a treasure trove of knowledge. By exploring the documentation and participating in the magical community forums, one can learn from experienced wizards and witches who share their wisdom and insights.

B. Practicing Incantations: Hands-On Experience

ServiceNow Developer Instances: To truly master the spells, hands-on experience is essential. ServiceNow provides developer instances, allowing learners to experiment, create, and practice their magical crafts in a safe and controlled environment.

Building Custom Applications: Creating custom applications using the platform's PaaS capabilities is akin to crafting your own magical artifacts. By experimenting with workflows, forms, and integrations, you hone your skills as a budding ServiceNow sorcerer.

C. Mastering the Art: ServiceNow Certification Paths

ServiceNow Certification Exams: Just like earning magical badges of honor, ServiceNow offers certification exams that validate your proficiency in specific areas. Whether you aspire to be a Certified System Administrator, Certified Application Developer, or specialize in other domains, these certifications enhance your magical prowess.

ServiceNow Training and Certification Portal: The magical gateway to certification is the ServiceNow Training and Certification portal. Here, you can find detailed information on available certifications, exam blueprints, and even enroll in official training courses to prepare for your certification journey.

D. Joining the Magical Guild: Community Participation

ServiceNow User Groups: Becoming part of ServiceNow user groups is like joining a magical guild. It provides a platform to connect with other wizards, share experiences, and learn advanced techniques. Attend local or virtual meetups to expand your magical network.

ServiceNow Knowledge Conference: The Knowledge conference is the grand gathering of wizards and witches from around the world. Attending this magical event provides the opportunity to learn from experts, discover new enchantments, and immerse yourself in the latest developments within the ServiceNow universe.

E. Staying Updated: Continuous Learning

ServiceNow Webinars and Blogs: Stay attuned to the latest magical updates through ServiceNow's webinars and blogs. These resources reveal new features, best practices, and advanced incantations that keep you at the forefront of ServiceNow magic.

Continuous Learning and Recertification: The magical landscape is ever-evolving, and so is ServiceNow. Commit to continuous learning by exploring new releases, features, and practices. Recertification ensures that your magical skills remain sharp and up-to-date.

Embarking on the journey to master ServiceNow is an exhilarating adventure, akin to studying the arcane arts at a wizarding school. By following these magical steps, aspiring enchanters can progress from novices to certified wizards, ready to weave spells and transform businesses with the power of ServiceNow. May your magical journey be filled with discovery, mastery, and enchanting success!

Who owns ServiceNow?

ServiceNow, Inc. is a publicly traded company, which means its ownership is distributed among shareholders who own its common stock. The largest stakeholders typically include institutional investors, like mutual funds and retirement funds. Individual shareholders also own a portion of the company.

As of the time of this response, some of the largest institutional shareholders of ServiceNow include The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Fidelity. The exact distribution of ownership can vary over time due to buying and selling of shares in the open market.

It's also important to note that the company's executive team and board of directors, who are appointed by the shareholders, have significant influence over the company's strategic direction, even though they may not own a majority of the total shares.

The specific details about the current ownership distribution can be found in the company's most recent proxy statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

How much does ServiceNow cost?

The cost of ServiceNow can vary significantly based on a variety of factors. Here are some of the key variables that can influence the price:

1. Edition of the product: ServiceNow offers different editions of its platform, each with different features. These typically include IT Service Management, IT Operations Management, IT Business Management, and more. Each of these editions has a different price.

2. Number of users: The cost of ServiceNow can also depend on the number of users who will be using the software. More users typically mean a higher cost.

3. Subscription period: The length of the subscription period can also affect the cost. Longer subscription periods may provide discounts.

4. Additional services: Additional services such as implementation, training, and support may also add to the cost.

Given these variables, it's challenging to provide a specific cost for ServiceNow without more detailed information. However, as a general range, ServiceNow pricing can start from around $10,000 per year for small businesses and can go into millions for larger organizations with more users and more complex needs.

It's important to note that these are rough estimates and the actual cost can vary. For the most accurate pricing, it would be best to directly contact ServiceNow or an authorized reseller. They can provide a quote based on the specific needs and circumstances of the business in question.

How many employees does ServiceNow have?

The number of employees at ServiceNow can change over time due to factors like business growth, restructuring, or strategic changes. As of the end of 2022, according to their annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ServiceNow had approximately 20,433 employees worldwide.

For the most recent and accurate number, it would be best to refer to ServiceNow's latest filings with the SEC, press releases, or official communications from the company.

When was ServiceNow founded?

ServiceNow, Inc. was founded in 2004. The company was initially established by Fred Luddy as a platform to help businesses manage digital workflows. Over time, ServiceNow has expanded its product offerings to include a broad suite of cloud-based services for IT service management, IT operations management, and IT business management, among others.

How to create a dashboard in ServiceNow?

Creating a dashboard in ServiceNow involves several steps. Here is a general step-by-step process:

1. Access the dashboard: From the ServiceNow interface, navigate to Self-Service > Dashboards. Then, click on "Create Dashboard".

2. Name and describe the dashboard: You'll be prompted to provide a name and description for your dashboard. Fill in these details as appropriate.

3. Add widgets: After creating the dashboard, you'll need to add widgets to it. These widgets can display a variety of data, such as reports, lists, or charts. To add a widget, click on the "Add Content" button on the dashboard. This will open a list of available widgets. Click on the widget you want to add, and it will be added to your dashboard.

4. Configure widgets: Each widget can be configured to display specific data. Click on the gear icon on the widget to open its configuration options. Here, you can select the data you want the widget to display, and configure other settings as needed.

5. Arrange widgets: You can click and drag widgets to arrange them on your dashboard. You can also resize them by clicking and dragging their corners.

6. Save the dashboard: Once you're satisfied with the layout and content of your dashboard, be sure to save it.

This is a simplified overview of the process, and the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the specific version of ServiceNow and the specific widgets you're adding to your dashboard. Additionally, the type of data you can display in your widgets may depend on the data and reports available in your ServiceNow instance.

How to create reports in ServiceNow?

Creating reports in ServiceNow involves a series of steps. Here's a simplified guide on how to do it:

1. Access the report creation tool: Navigate to the Reports module in the ServiceNow interface. You can do this by typing "Reports" into the filter navigation and selecting "Create New".

2. Select the type of report: ServiceNow offers various types of reports including list, bar chart, pie chart, and more. Select the type that best suits your needs.

3. Select the table: Choose the table from which you want to pull data for your report. This could be incident, problem, change, or any other table available in your instance.

4. Configure the report: This step involves defining the specific data you want to include in the report. You'll need to specify the fields to be included, any filters or conditions to apply, the sorting order, and other details depending on the type of report you're creating.

5. Run the report: Once you've configured your report, you can run it to see the results. If you're not satisfied with the results, you can go back and adjust the configuration until you get the desired output.

6. Save the report: Finally, give your report a name and description, then save it. Once saved, the report can be accessed again later, shared with others, or added to a dashboard.

Remember, the availability of certain report types, tables, and fields may depend on your specific ServiceNow instance and the access permissions of your user account. Always ensure you're only sharing data with authorized individuals to maintain security and privacy.

What is ServiceNow platform?

ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform designed to help businesses manage digital workflows. Its primary focus is on IT service management (ITSM), but it has expanded to cover other areas such as employee workflow and customer service management.

At its core, ServiceNow provides a suite of applications designed to automate and streamline business processes. These applications are built on a single platform and share a common data model, which allows for seamless integration and data sharing across different processes.

ServiceNow's ITSM capabilities include incident management, problem management, change management, and more. It also offers IT Operations Management (ITOM) capabilities, which help businesses manage their IT infrastructure and services.

In addition to ITSM and ITOM, ServiceNow also provides capabilities for HR service delivery, customer service management, and business application development. The platform is highly customizable, allowing businesses to adapt it to their specific needs.

ServiceNow's platform uses machine learning and AI technologies to automate routine tasks, predict issues, and deliver proactive solutions. It also provides analytics capabilities, enabling businesses to measure and improve their performance.

In summary, ServiceNow is a comprehensive platform for managing digital workflows, with a wide range of capabilities spanning IT service management, IT operations management, HR service delivery, customer service management, and more.

How to export ServiceNow report to Excel?

Exporting a ServiceNow report to Excel involves a few steps:

1. Open the report: Navigate to the report you want to export. You can do this by going to the Reports module and searching for your report.

2. Run the report: If the report isn't already displaying data, you'll need to run it. Depending on the report configuration, you may need to specify certain parameters before running it.

3. Export the report: Once the report is displaying the data you want to export, look for the "Export" option. This is typically located in the menu bar at the top of the report. Click on it to open a dropdown menu.

4. Select the export format: In the dropdown menu, you should see an option for "Excel". Click on this option to begin the export process.

5. Save the file: Your browser will download the exported data as an Excel file. Once the download is complete, you can open the file in Excel and save it to your desired location.

This process exports the current data displayed in the report. If the report data changes (for example, if new incidents are logged), you'll need to export the report again to get the updated data. Also, keep in mind that the availability of the export function may depend on your user permissions in ServiceNow.

How to use ServiceNow?

Using ServiceNow effectively involves understanding its core functionalities and knowing how to navigate its interface to manage workflows and tasks. Here are some key steps:

1. Log In: Access the ServiceNow portal using your credentials. Once logged in, you'll be directed to the homepage.

2. Understand the Interface: The ServiceNow interface typically includes a banner frame at the top, a navigator on the left, and a content frame in the center. The banner frame includes global information and options, the navigator helps you access applications and modules, and the content frame displays the selected module or record.

3. Use the Navigator: The navigator is your primary tool for accessing applications and modules. You can use the filter to quickly find what you're looking for.

4. Manage Incidents: If you're using ServiceNow for ITSM, you'll likely spend a lot of time managing incidents. To create a new incident, select "Create New" under the "Incident" module. Fill in the necessary fields and click "Submit". To manage existing incidents, select "Open" under the "Incident" module.

5. Manage Changes: In the Change module, you can create and manage change requests. This is similar to managing incidents, but with additional steps to manage the change process.

6. Use the Knowledge Base: The Knowledge Base is a repository of articles that can help resolve common issues. You can search the Knowledge Base using the search bar at the top of the interface.

7. Create and Run Reports: ServiceNow allows you to create and run reports to analyze your data. To create a report, go to the "Reports" module and select "Create New".

8. Use the Self-Service Portal: The Self-Service Portal allows end-users to report incidents, make requests, and track their progress.

Remember, these are general steps and your exact usage will depend on your role and the specific configuration of your ServiceNow instance. ServiceNow is a powerful and customizable platform, and its usage can vary widely between different organizations.

Who are ServiceNow competitors?

ServiceNow operates in the field of IT Service Management (ITSM), IT Operations Management (ITOM), and digital workflow automation, which is a competitive space with several established players. Here are a few key competitors:

1. BMC Software: BMC offers a range of ITSM solutions, including BMC Helix ITSM, a predictive service management tool that is a direct competitor to ServiceNow's offerings.

2. Atlassian: Atlassian's Jira Service Management is another major player in the ITSM space. It's often used for issue tracking and project management, and is known for its strong integration with other Atlassian products like Jira and Confluence.

3. Cherwell Software: Cherwell Service Management is a comprehensive ITSM solution that offers similar functionalities to ServiceNow, including incident management, problem management, change management, and more.

4. Zendesk: While Zendesk is more focused on customer service management, its capabilities for incident tracking and resolution, as well as its robust ticketing system, put it in competition with ServiceNow's customer service management offerings.

5. Microsoft: Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for IT service management and Azure for cloud services can be considered as competitors in certain aspects of ServiceNow's business.

6. IBM: IBM's Control Desk is another comprehensive ITSM solution that competes with ServiceNow. IBM also offers a range of other products in areas like cloud computing and AI, some of which compete with ServiceNow's offerings.

7. Freshworks: Freshservice by Freshworks is a cloud-based ITSM tool that is gaining popularity and provides similar services to ServiceNow.

These competitors vary in their focus, capabilities, and target markets. Some may offer more specialized or focused solutions, while others provide a broad suite of tools that cover many aspects of ITSM and ITOM.