Where is Middleware Data Stored in CMDB?

[Lhora Alvarez]

Hi all!

We’re currently managing Middleware records in our CMDB either manually or via SGC-imports.

However, we’re trying to better understand where exactly Middleware-related data is stored in ServiceNow.

Some posts suggest they go under Application [cmdb_ci_appl]. 

But we were also thinking of Software Installation [cmdb_sam_sw_install] (available when SAM is installed).

This has led to confusion because:

• There’s no clear field or indicator that marks a CI as Middleware.
• It’s unclear which table is officially used or recommended for Middleware.

Can anyone clarify:

• Where does ServiceNow natively store Middleware?
• Is there a specific table or class used for it?
• Is there a field that may indicate it is Middleware?
• What does a Middleware record typically look like in CMDB?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

[M Iftikhar · Accepted solution]

Hi @Lhora Alvarez ,

Middleware in ServiceNow CMDB can be tricky since there isn’t a single “Middleware” table out of the box. Here’s how it works:

Where Middleware is stored natively: Middleware CIs are generally modeled under Application [cmdb_ci_appl] and its subclasses (e.g., Application Server, Web Server, Message Queue, Integration Hub). This is the recommended approach.

What about Software Installation [cmdb_sam_sw_install]? That table is used when SAM Pro is installed, but it tracks software deployment/installation instances for licensing/compliance — not the logical Middleware CI itself.

Identifying Middleware: There’s no OOTB “Middleware = true” flag. Instead, Middleware is identified by its class type and attributes (manufacturer, version, environment, etc.). Many orgs extend the schema with a custom field if needed.

What a Middleware record looks like: A typical Middleware CI (e.g., WebSphere, Tomcat, MQ) includes standard fields (name, manufacturer, version, operational status, environment) and, most importantly, relationships to hosts, databases, applications, and services.

📌 Visual summary of Middleware classification & relationships in CMDB:

📚 References:

CMDB Class Hierarchy

Middleware Discovery

Hope this helps!

Thanks & Regards,
Muhammad Iftikhar
If my response helped, please mark it as the accepted solution so others can benefit as well.

[Lhora Alvarez]

@M Iftikhar 

Thank you very much.

If it is possible, can you share to me the link of the reference?

[M Iftikhar]

Hi @Lhora Alvarez ,

Here are the official reference links you can use for further reading on CMDB Class Hierarchy and Middleware Discovery:

• ServiceNow Discovery – Washington DC Release

• CMDB Classifications – Zurich Release

• ServiceNow Discovery Overview – Reco.ai