question Where to add new CI types in CMDB? in ITOM forum

Where to add new CI types in CMDB?

Henrik Jutterst — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 12:55:35 GMT

Hi all, we are about to move our CMDB to ServiceNow. At the moment we handle (enter and modify) all data manually but we are planning for starting with Discovery in the future.

I want to use as much Out Of the Box classification/categories as possible, but I'm wondering how to classify things like SFP's, line cards, dwdm and Wireless controller (network gear) and so on.

Are things like these possible to classify correct out of the box or would you extend a class to match the type?
How can I find a suitable class for these items and what's the best way for doing so?
I'm also wondering this because when we start using Discovery I want Discovery to classify these things correct out of the box if possible. Or do I need to create custom discovery patterns to classify these things with discovery?

Kind regards

Re: Where to add new CI types in CMDB?

Chuck Tomasi — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:09:48 GMT

For specialized devices that don't have an OOB class, you can certainly extend an existing class that is close to what you need and then add the fields to that class. That's my recommendation. For example, if I wanted to discover all the Raspberry Pi devices on my network, I would start at last at cmdb_ci_hardware, possibly cmdb_ci_computer. I don't think I'd go in to server though. It depends - take a look at the existing fields.

When it comes to discovery, you're going to need to write your own probes/sensors/classifiers for those devices, so you can make it work with what you set up today. No worries there because you'll have to total control.

Re: Where to add new CI types in CMDB?

Henrik Jutterst — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:27:35 GMT

Thanks Chuck, it sounds like O'm on the right track then.

Quick question then. How should I classify a NAS or a DAS (Direct-attached storage)?

Re: Where to add new CI types in CMDB?

Chuck Tomasi — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:33:48 GMT

Hi Henrik,

It looks like you already have a class for NAS File System (or am I seeing that wrong in the first image)?

For Direct Attached Storage, take a look at the fields available on those classes. I suspect it's going to fit closest to Mass Storage Device or Storage Area Network (SAN). It wouldn't be Storage HBA, that's your host bus adapter. Storage Disk maybe... again, you'll need to see what your requirements are and what is the best fit in the CMDB structure.

Re: Where to add new CI types in CMDB?

Henrik Jutterst — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:57:56 GMT

Thanks again. So I guess what you're saying is to take a look in the table and see what best fit my needs.

Take care!

Re: Where to add new CI types in CMDB?

Chuck Tomasi — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 14:02:53 GMT

Exactly.

If you can't find an exact fit (e.g. specialty devices like manufacturing equipment), you can create your own class, easily extended from a similar parent class.