How can we integrate ServiceNow with Service Graph Connector for Solarwinds

[Aswathy3]

Hi Team,

How can we integrate ServiceNow with Service Graph Connector for Solarwinds?

Is there any SQL Service Account in Solarwinds server required for establishing connection?

Can anyone please help me with this integration configuration.

Thanks in advance

Aswathy 

[Ratnakar7]

Hi @Aswathy3 ,

Sure,

1. Using SQL Service Account: This method involves directly querying the SolarWinds database using SQL queries to retrieve data. Here's how you can approach it:

   • SQL Service Account: You'll need a dedicated SQL service account with appropriate permissions to access the SolarWinds database. This account should have read-only access to ensure data integrity and security.

   • Querying the Database: Write SQL queries to select the data you need from the SolarWinds database. This could include information such as device details, network performance metrics, or alert data.

   • Data Transformation: Once you retrieve the data from SolarWinds, you may need to transform it into a format compatible with ServiceNow. This could involve mapping fields, converting data types, or applying any necessary transformations.

   • Importing into ServiceNow: After transforming the data, you can use ServiceNow Import Sets or custom integration scripts to import the data into ServiceNow tables.

   Best Practice Considerations: While direct database access can be efficient, it also comes with security risks and dependency on database schema changes. Ensure that the SQL service account has only the necessary permissions and that data transmission is encrypted to protect sensitive information.
   
   

2. Using SolarWinds APIs: SolarWinds provides APIs that allow you to programmatically access and manipulate data within the SolarWinds platform. Here's how you can leverage APIs for integration:

   • API Authentication: Authenticate with the SolarWinds API using OAuth tokens or API keys. This typically involves creating an API user or application in SolarWinds and obtaining the necessary credentials.

   • API Endpoints: SolarWinds APIs offer endpoints for various functionalities, such as retrieving device information, querying events, or managing alerts. Determine which endpoints correspond to the data you need to integrate.

   • Data Retrieval: Use API requests to retrieve the desired data from SolarWinds. Depending on the API capabilities, you may be able to filter, paginate, or aggregate data as needed.

   • Data Transformation and Import: Similar to the SQL method, you may need to transform the data retrieved from SolarWinds APIs into a format suitable for ServiceNow. This could involve parsing JSON responses, mapping fields, and performing data validation.

   Best Practice Considerations: Using APIs provides more flexibility and abstraction compared to direct database access. However, it requires additional effort for authentication, error handling, and managing API rate limits. Follow SolarWinds API documentation and best practices for optimal usage.

In terms of best practices, leveraging SolarWinds APIs is generally preferred over direct database access due to the following reasons:

• Security: APIs provide controlled access to data and operations, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
• Flexibility: APIs abstract underlying data structures and allow for more flexible and controlled data retrieval and manipulation.
• Scalability: APIs support standardized communication protocols (e.g., RESTful HTTP), making them suitable for scalable and distributed integrations.
• Maintenance: APIs are designed to be more resilient to changes in underlying systems, reducing the impact of database schema changes or updates.

Thanks,

Ratnakar