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

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

Sushma G Muttal — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 06:51:01 GMT

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?

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

Community Alums — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 07:01:38 GMT

Hi @Sushma G Muttalli ,

You can export XML for all records in a table. Navigate to the list of records you want to export. For example, type 'kb_knowledge.LIST' in the filter navigator box to open all of the kb_knowledge records in a new tab. Filter, if needed, to show only the articles you want to export. Export > XML as normal. It will export all of those records. Go to your target instance, from any list view (doesn't have to be kb_knowledge records, but easier to verify import if you are there), select "Import XML" from the menu option.

As far as Import Set table, you are creating the staging table, which will be a custom table. After you create the import set, you will create the Data Source and Transform Map. The transform map is where you will map from your custom staging table (u_kb_knowledge) to the actual ServiceNow table (kb_knowledge).

Mark my answer correct & Helpful, if Applicable.

Thanks,
Sandeep

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

Tony Chatfield1 — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 07:06:29 GMT

Hi, this requirement is a bit confusing.

If the client does not want the instance cloned, then that indicates they do not want the instance copied. As far as security goes any options that are not clone based will be less secure as the data will flow through an environment external to the vendor data centre.

Perhaps someone needs to explain cloning and table exclusion to them properly?

They could also log a support request for SNC to restore a backup to a dev instance, which would be no different to cloning but may make them less paranoid.

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

Sushma G Muttal — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 11:44:41 GMT

Hi, Thanks alot for your response.

Cloning is what they don't want even reasons are not properly given and explained.

We can Copy the SQL DB of source instance and point it to Target instance, this is what I have got info on browsing but still not clear how exactly it will be executed and if they will be any data loss on the source instance. Hi Portal case has been raised .

Thanks for your inputs !!!!!!

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

Mark Manders — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:16:14 GMT

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

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

Sushma G Muttal — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:28:08 GMT

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

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

Tony Chatfield1 — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 20:31:52 GMT

Cloning is not only the most secure solution, it is the vendor solution specifically designed to move configuration and data between instances.

Any alternatives for moving data between instances would be less secure as they must transverse external infrastructure.
Copying between instances also introduces additional risk as the target instance must be manually configured to mirror the sources configuration and data structure exactly.

If you are supporting a ServiceNow implementation for an irrational customer who will not listen to basic common sense then I would suggest finding another client ASAP, as it is your organizations credibility that will be at risk if you allow the client to dictate inappropriate actions and it goes wrong.

Perhaps if you provide a time estimate

< 5 minutes to set up an OOB clone.
< 1 hour to set up a clone, if you need to exclude data on specific tables.
100 hours + to configure and test an alternative solution that is less secure and may not work.

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

Mark Manders — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 05:20:14 GMT

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

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

Sushma G Muttal — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 06:57:40 GMT

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