Is there a way of copying instance configuration and data without cloning to another(NO Updateset or XML)

[Sushma G Muttal]

We have a requirement where client doesn't want us to clone the instance from our Base instance to target instance due to some security constraints. So I do like to know is there a way of copying the whole instance to another without cloning? or can we copy DB of our Base instance and then point it to target instance?

[Mark Manders]

I think you should have them explain their security constraints to you, so you are able to explain why cloning is the safest way to get this done. Show them excluding tables, running cleanup scripts, preserving data, etc. This sounds like the customer isn't aware of what cloning is.

If my answer helped you in any way, please then mark it as helpful.

Mark

[Sushma G Muttal]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your info.

If possible can you please elaborate what we can bring up to explain that CLONING is best option. Some points which we can bring it to their notice.

We have explained from our point of view but if you can bring in more point it will be helpful.

Thanks,

Sushma G Muttalli

[Mark Manders]

Hi Sushma,

I think the main points to stress out are already given by Tony Chatfield yesterday. Cloning is the solution provided by ServiceNow. It's safe, it's secure and in case anything goes wrong you have backout options and even ServiceNow to provide support in reverting (and in 6 years time I have only needed ServiceNow when a clone overwrote development work because someone just didn't do their job).

It's less time consuming and besides that I don't have a clue on how you want to do it otherwise, if you are going to use a custom way of moving configuration (not via clone/update sets/xml import), you are without any assistance if anything goes wrong.

This customer wants to use the ServiceNow platform and should use it as designed. As Tony stated: you are going to be pointed at if anything goes wrong. And if they can't explain to you why cloning isn't an option, they don't know what cloning is. You have been tasked with helping them. If they don't want the help, then just close the door, wish them luck and move on.

If my answer helped you in any way, please then mark it as helpful.

Mark

[Sushma G Muttal]

Hi , We are opting for another method where we are Publishing the App and downloading other stuffs and uploading same on other instance.

Though this method is not the apt one but for this requirement we had to do this.

Thanks for all your info and suggestions.

Thanks,

Sushma G Muttalli