Solarwinds to ServiceNow Integration using Graph connector for CMDB sync or update

[Mukesh Prasad]

Dear Experts,

I find there is a graph connector available to integrate Solarwinds and ServiceNow for CMDB sync/update. we have Solarwinds and ServiceNow both deployed onprem. I see as a pre-requisites, it still require ITOM discovery license. 

I want to understand if it is still requiring ITOM discovery license, what is the advantage or use case of using this indirect approach? 

Are there any additional benefit or any cost advantage by following this approach?

Any guidance around the same will be helpful.  

[VIJAY YACHAM1]

Hello @Mukesh Prasad,

Please find the below solution:

1. Faster Time to Value
You already have SolarWinds collecting detailed infra and network data.
Instead of building custom integrations or waiting for Discovery to identify all devices, GCF allows you to leverage SolarWinds data quickly to populate or enrich CMDB.
2. Extend Your Coverage
SolarWinds might discover certain devices better or faster (e.g., niche network gear).
You can merge or federate this with ServiceNow's CMDB data using Identifier Rules.
3. Avoid Duplicate Discovery Efforts
If you’re already discovering with SolarWinds, the Graph Connector avoids the need to re-scan or double-load your environment.
Helps reduce network load or duplication of effort from multiple discovery engines.
4. Normalized CMDB Updates
The Graph Connector uses ServiceNow’s Identification and Reconciliation Engine (IRE).
So you don’t bypass CMDB governance — the updates are done the right way, like native discovery would.

About Cost Advantage
Unfortunately, there is no direct cost saving just by using the Graph Connector:
You still need an ITOM Discovery license because:
You’re ingesting and managing infrastructure CIs
ServiceNow still views this as part of Discovery’s value chain

Important: What can be optimized is your resource/time cost. Especially if SolarWinds already does what you need, the connector lets you benefit from that investment.

Please my solution as helpful if this is helful.

Thanks,

Vijay