What is the value of defining "platform host" Business Applications

[Tom Sienkiewicz]

Hello Everyone,

can anyone please help me see the value of defining the "platform host" type of Business Apps?

My understanding is that for EA/design, the "platform app" level is most critical since those are the ones used for TCO/Rationalization/Capability mapping?

It also does not seem necessary from operations perspective, since any platform-level task can be handled via App Service.

What value or usage do you see if you are currently using this setup?

Many thanks!

[Shubham_Jain]

@Tom Sienkiewicz 

Defining “Platform Host” type Business Applications in ServiceNow adds value by helping model technical platforms (e.g., middleware, OS, cloud services) that support multiple business apps.

While “Platform Apps” are used for TCO, capability mapping, and rationalization, “Platform Hosts” are key for:

• Service Mapping and accurate CMDB modeling
• Tracking shared dependencies
• Supporting ITOM, risk, and operations use cases
• Enabling impact analysis when the host platform affects multiple apps

It’s especially useful when apps share the same infrastructure or are deployed on common platforms like containers, app servers, or cloud PaaS services.