Installing Instance Data Replication (IDR)

[varunkumar11863]

Hi All,

Few queries on IDR:

1. Has anyone used IDR for CMDB Sync (does it work well and is there table list available)?

2. Does it require ServiceNow personnel to activate it? We have TPSM license, so we should be entitled for Service bridge / IDR but I cannot see IDR plugin in my applications.

[Martin Virag]

Hi, 

1) We have used IDR, with a correct setup it is an easy solution to transfer data from one instance to another, takes way less effort than writing a bi-directional synch framework/solution
2) You can follow the steps here: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/bundle/zurich-servicenow-platform/page/administer/instance-data-repl... 
 Regarding the licenses, contact your servicenow account representative, they can give you a more detailed answer

[varunkumar11863]

Hi @Martin Virag , So it means we cannot install the IDR plugin on our own (for both producer and consumer), right?

[Martin Virag]

yes! Just follow the steps in the docs to request the activation

[jms4279]

Yes, Instance Data Replication (IDR) can be used for CMDB synchronization between ServiceNow instances. For syncing specific, manageable subsets of CMDB data, it can be an efficient solution. However, it is not suitable for replicating an entire CMDB due to limitations on large datasets and record seeding. You must explicitly configure each CMDB table you want to replicate. You can generate a list of CMDB tables by filtering the sys_db_object table on your ServiceNow instance for the prefix cmdb_ci.

Yes, the IDR plugin requires a separate subscription and must be activated by ServiceNow personnel; it cannot be self-activated by a customer. Your TPSM license does not automatically entitle you to or display the IDR plugin. You will need to contact your ServiceNow account representative to arrange for the purchase and activation of the IDR plugin.

Summary of key points for IDR and CMDB sync
Best for specific data: IDR is effective for synchronizing a specific subset of CMDB data between instances but not for migrating or syncing the entire CMDB.
Configuration required: You must manually configure each individual CMDB table you want to replicate with IDR.
Table lookup: A complete list of CMDB tables can be found by filtering the sys_db_object table in your instance for cmdb_ci.
Large data limitations: IDR is not designed for migrating large amounts of data, with a seeding limit of 3 million records per replication set.
Paid subscription: IDR is a separate, paid subscription and is not included with your TPSM license.
ServiceNow activation: The plugin must be requested and activated by ServiceNow support staff; you cannot install it yourself.

The Instance Data Replication (IDR) plugin requires a separate subscription and activation by ServiceNow personnel. Users can purchase a subscription by contacting their ServiceNow account manager, who can arrange for activation on production and subproduction instances. Alternatively, users can request activation through the Now Support portal by navigating to "All > System Applications > All Available Applications > All," selecting "Request Plugin," and filling out the activation form on the Now Support Service Portal. You can read the full analysis at ServiceNow.