Integrate SQL API Drivers with third-party BI tools

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Integrate SQL API Drivers with third-party BI tools

    This content explains how ServiceNow customers can configure SQL API drivers (ODBC and JDBC) to integrate their ServiceNow instances with third-party business intelligence (BI) and database tools. This integration allows direct, read-only access to live ServiceNow data from popular analytics platforms like Tableau, Power BI, DB Visualizer, and other ODBC/JDBC-compatible applications without the need for data export or replication.

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    Prerequisites

    • The SQL API plugin must be installed and configured on the ServiceNow instance, including setting up a Service Account, ACLs, and IP filters.
    • The appropriate SQL API driver (ODBC or JDBC) must be downloaded, installed, and configured on the client machine with the instance URL, Service Account credentials, and connection parameters.
    • The client machine’s IP address must be authorized in the SQL API IP filter configuration.
    • The Service Account requires necessary roles (such as snodbcrestaccess or snjdbcrestaccess) and table-level access permissions to enable data querying.

    Connection and Security Considerations

    • All connections through SQL API drivers are read-only; BI tools cannot modify ServiceNow data.
    • Query performance depends on network conditions, query complexity, and data volume; optimizing queries with filters and specific columns is recommended.
    • Security permissions and access controls are enforced at the ServiceNow instance level, including row- and field-level ACLs, which may impact query response times.
    • Strict security mode is enabled by default but can be disabled by assigning the snsqlapiprivilegedmode role to the Service Account if needed.
    • Queries have a default timeout of 5 minutes and a rate limit of 500 queries per hour; monitoring usage and creating Service Account-specific connections for teams is advised to maintain access control.

    Supported BI Tools

    The SQL API drivers support a broad range of standard ODBC and JDBC-compatible BI and database tools, including but not limited to:

    • Power BI Desktop
    • DB Visualizer
    • Tableau Desktop and Tableau Server
    • Microsoft Excel (via ODBC)
    • SQL Server Management Studio
    • DBeaver and other universal database tools
    • Custom applications using ODBC/JDBC APIs

    While connection interfaces vary by tool, core connection parameters such as the ServiceNow instance URL, Service Account credentials, and driver type remain consistent.

    Practical Use Cases

    • Power BI Desktop: Connect via the ODBC driver to create dashboards and reports visualizing live ServiceNow data.
    • DB Visualizer: Connect via the JDBC driver to query authorized ServiceNow tables and perform ad-hoc analysis with standard SQL commands for visualization and data insight.

    Important: Step-by-step connection instructions in the guide are illustrative; customers should refer to the latest documentation from their third-party BI tools for precise setup details.

    Configure ServiceNow SQL API drivers to connect with third-party business intelligence and database tools for direct data access and analysis.

    After installing and configuring the SQL API drivers on your client machine, you can connect them to third-party business intelligence and database tools. This integration enables you to query ServiceNow data directly from your preferred analytics platforms without requiring data export or replication.

    The SQL API supports integration with a wide range of ODBC and JDBC-compatible tools, including Tableau, Power BI, DB Visualizer, and other standard BI platforms. By connecting these tools to your ServiceNow instance through the SQL API drivers, you can create dashboards, run ad-hoc queries, and perform comprehensive data analysis using live ServiceNow data.

    Important:

    Step-by-step instructions for third-party tools in this guide are illustrative — you must consult tool-specific documentation for latest updates.

    Prerequisites

    Before connecting third-party tools to the SQL API drivers, confirm that you have completed the following:

    • The SQL API plugin is installed on your ServiceNow instance.
    • The SQL API is configured on your instance, including Service Account creation, ACL configuration, and IP filter setup.
    • The appropriate SQL API driver (ODBC or JDBC) is downloaded and installed on your client machine.
    • The driver is configured with your instance URL, Service Account credentials, and connection parameters.
    • Your client machine's IP address is included in the SQL API IP filter configuration.
    • The Service Account has the necessary roles (sn_odbc_rest_access or sn_jdbc_rest_access) and table-level access permissions.

    General connection considerations

    When connecting third-party BI tools to ServiceNow SQL API drivers, keep the following considerations in mind:

    • All connections are read-only. Third-party tools cannot modify ServiceNow data through the SQL API.
    • Query performance depends on network connectivity, query complexity, and the amount of data being retrieved. Use WHERE clauses and column selection to optimize performance.
    • Security permissions are enforced at the ServiceNow level. The connected tool can only access tables and records permitted by the Service Account's roles and ACL configuration.
    • Strict security is enabled by default. When you query data, SQL API validates your access at the row level and field level using the ACLs. As a result, you may notice longer query response times. This is expected behavior, consistent with how GlideRecordSecure works. You can add the role sn_sql_api_privileged_mode to disable strict security at the service account level.
    • The default query timeout is 5 minutes. If your query exceeds this limit, it will be terminated.
    • Monitor your SQL query rate to stay within the 500 queries per hour limitation.
    • Consider using Service Account-specific connections for different teams or projects to maintain granular access control.

    Supported BI tools

    While Power BI Desktop and DB Visualizer are specifically documented examples in this guide, the SQL API drivers support any ODBC or JDBC-compatible application. Other commonly used tools include:

    • Tableau Desktop and Tableau Server
    • Microsoft Excel (via ODBC connection)
    • SQL Server Management Studio
    • DBeaver and other universal database tools
    • Custom applications using ODBC or JDBC APIs

    Each tool has its own connection configuration interface, but the underlying connection parameters (instance URL, Service Account credentials, driver selection) remain consistent across all platforms.