Unlock the potential of ServiceNow! Dive into an integrated cloud solution that transforms old, manual ways of working into modern digital workflows.
ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform that provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) support for technical management. You can use ServiceNow to generate requests, incidents, and changes for problems and services. You can also level incidents based on priority and access.
ServiceNow was founded in 2004 around an information technology service management (ITSM) tool. ITSM still represents the majority of its revenue, but ServiceNow now offers many more services. In addition to ITSM, it is now an integrated cloud solution that correlates all services and resources into a single system of record. It has grown into four core services: ITSM, security, HR service delivery and operations.
How does ServiceNow work?
ServiceNow offers its customers the ability to achieve their problem management goals through unique instances for data isolation. You can list information for your team, your client or your suppliers. When the appropriate operator sees the ticket, a technician can be dispatched to diagnose and repair problems. This technique reduces dependence on spreadsheets and emails and provides autonomy to your team. This architecture also provides IT leaders with greater visibility into data and assets while reducing operational risks and downtime.
Through ServiceNow, you can create service templates based on your SaaS requirements. These service models have all the different product integrations (tasks, activities and processes) that your business requires. You can customize the templates according to your needs and confidentiality guidelines. Service models provide operational tracking and on-demand IT service management, along with timing analysis for tracking and monitoring.
ServiceNow applications in the technology industry
Process automation
The technology industry is changing rapidly. Technology companies must follow agile techniques to innovate their processes while managing their resources and services. ServiceNow helps technology companies automate business processes and gain complete insight into their tasks – enabling them to better visualize and manage corporate workflows. This allows your team to focus on innovation without worrying about repetitive tasks.
Machine Learning
ServiceNow's intelligent automation engine uses machine learning to leverage enterprise data for business decisions. With this, you can prioritize and route tasks between companies and use the information collected to improve overall performance. The engine can also identify and predict problems that could cause major harm to your business, such as service interruptions. You can then develop contingencies to avoid their possible consequences.
HR Services
Through ServiceNow, you can create a better onboarding experience for employees and manage them on a case-by-case basis. Automated tasks, checklists, and services can guide employees without the need for manual intervention. Improves visibility into employee performance. Additionally, you can use ServiceNow for termination and granting of leave requests.
IT Security
Through ServiceNow, you can identify potential security issues and alert your IT department. Through Security Circles, you can quickly collect information from trusted sources and share it to quickly speed up the resolution process. This way, you take a collaborative approach to incidents without physically informing people.
Advantages of using ServiceNow
ServiceNow can define frameworks and automate workflow for the enterprise cloud. It speeds up service delivery and replaces manual intervention. Here are some advantages of using ServiceNow for your business.
Simple
Through ServiceNow, you can transact at lightning speed and resolve business issues without wasting time and resources. The time to set up a service is low and you can easily get the system up and running with minimal effort.
This means you can immediately start tracking assets and working on change requests without worrying about setting variables and defaults in the platform.
Speed
ServiceNow helps companies operate faster by combining automation and process optimization. When using services to perform activities and tasks, you can create rules to navigate your processes without working on the platform itself. The architecture is open and you can use it on different systems. This saves a considerable amount of time when starting a new project.
Powerful platform
The ServiceNow platform is very powerful. You can define and provide services, analyze incidents, and provide a service experience to your customers through it. The ServiceNow workflow provides access to resources along with tools to protect systems and data. This improves overall work performance and department efficiency.
Accessible
Being a cloud-based platform, ServiceNow is very affordable. You don't need to use a single computer to access the platform. You also don't need to depend on a single database for your transactions.
It can be accessed by different networks and you can scale it according to the customer's needs. And because it is a SaaS product, you can always customize it according to your business needs.
ServiceNow Modules
Some of the most used ServiceNow products are:
IT service management
Technology companies mainly use this product to smooth out their ITIL practices. With this, you can manage tickets, incidents and changes. It also has analytics and insights that analysts can use to predict future issues and improve the overall company experience.
Through ServiceNow, you can access several ITSM tools through a single operating system. You can also use AI-assisted recommendations to improve incident tracking and attribution. What's more, you can proactively deliver high-quality services at scale by gaining insights through integrated dashboards and real-time analytics.
Security Operations
Through ServiceNow's security operations tool, you can import data into a response engine that uses automation and AI to prioritize threats based on their potential impact.
With ServiceNow Security Operations, you can identify and resolve vulnerabilities in your Now platform. You can also protect data, organization assets, and software. Using this tool, vulnerability managers can automate their security software and work on Indicators of Compromise (IOC).
IT asset management
With ServiceNow, you can manage your hardware and software assets to optimize costs and increase efficiency. ServiceNow has many ITAM features such as license management, warranty management, and advanced reporting and insights.
Through ServiceNow, you can digitize assets and move them to different locations depending on your needs. You can also integrate ITAM with ITSM and optimize features such as software licensing and hardware tracking and cloud resource management.
Financial operations management
ServiceNow can manage all activities of your company's financial processes. It uses leading applications and task orchestration to make your financial tasks easier.
Using near financial automation, finance teams can streamline their operations, reduce the risk of inefficiencies, monitor progress, and meet deadlines. You can manage task assignments across roles. You can also use the platform to monitor employee salaries and expenses.
Service Alternatives Now
BMC Helix (formerly Remedy)
An enterprise ITSM solution from BMC Software with modules for incident, problem, change, release and service level management. Offers cloud and on-premises deployment.
Positives:
- Robust functionality for managing incidents, problems, changes and releases
- Integration with DevOps tools
- Flexible deployment options (cloud or on-premises)
Negatives:
- Can be complex and time-consuming to customize
- Higher learning curve than other options
Jira service management
An ITSM tool from Atlassiano integrated with Jira to manage requests, incidents, problems, changes and more. Focuses on DevOps collaboration.
Positives:
- Deep integration with other Atlassian products
- Optimized for Agile and DevOps workflows
- User-friendly interface
Negatives:
- More limited ITSM capabilities compared to enterprise tools
- Can become expensive as more features and integrations are added
Zendesk
Zendesk is a customer service and engagement platform with ITSM features like incident tracking and SLA management. Emphasizes user experience.
Positives:
- Excellent end-user experience and self-service
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Affordable pricing plans
Negatives:
- Lacks advanced ITSM features such as automated workflows
- Primarily focused on customer service versus enterprise ITSM
Freshservice
A cloud-based ITSM and service desk solution from Frescos . Key features include asset management, release management, and ITIL workflow automation.
Positives:
- Easy to set up and easy to use
- Visual workflow designer for automation
- Affordable pricing tiers
Negatives:
- Less flexibility in customization compared to other ITSM tools
- Reporting and analytics capabilities lag behind competitors
SysAid
SysAid is an ITSM platform with modules for help desk, asset management and self-service. It focuses on security, personalization, and automation.
Positives:
- Robust out-of-the-box functionality
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Strong security and compliance capabilities
Negatives:
- Can be complex for small/medium businesses
- Limited third-party integrations
Cherwell
An ITSM and ITOM solution with visual, code-free configuration for flexible customization. Cherwell offers automation and orchestration.
Positives:
- Flexible configuration through “no-code” visual editing
- Robust automation and orchestration capabilities
- Strong management of incidents, problems, changes and releases
Negatives:
- Can be complex for smaller organizations
- Reporting and analytics features lag behind some competitors
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
An ITSM tool from Zoho Corporation with integrated asset management and ITIL-aligned processes.
Positives:
- Easy to configure and user-friendly interface
- Integrated asset management capabilities
- Affordable pricing tiers
Negatives:
- Less flexibility and customization compared to enterprise ITSM tools
- Third-party integrations are limited
Ivanti Service Manager
Ivanti Service Manager is an ITSM and IT asset management solution focused on security, automation and configuration management.
Positives:
- Strong IT asset discovery and management capabilities
- Focus on security and compliance
- Automation and configuration management
Negatives:
- Software and interfaces may appear outdated
- Not as easy to use as other solutions
SolarWinds Call Center
A cloud-based ITSM platform with integrated asset tracking, monitoring and risk intelligence.
Positives:
- Affordable pricing for growing small and medium businesses
- Integrated monitoring and risk assessment
- Easy cloud deployment
Negatives:
- Less robust functionality than enterprise ITSM tools
- Limited flexibility for workflows and customization
ConnectWise Management
A business management platform for technology teams, including IT service delivery and ticketing.
Positives:
- Designed specifically for technology teams
- End-to-end workflow automation
- Third-party integrations and open API
Negatives:
- Steep learning curve
- May be too robust for smaller organizations
TOPdesk
Modular ITSM software for managing business services across IT, HR, facilities and more.
Positives:
- Enterprise-scale service management
- Modular design to meet specific needs
- Flexible and user-friendly interface
Negatives:
- Installation and configuration can be complex
- Delayed data analysis and reporting capabilities
Kayak
A cloud-based customer service platform focused on multi-channel support and collaboration.
Positives:
- Intuitive user interface for agents and customers
- Omnichannel support via email, chat, social media, etc.
- Customer self-service capabilities and knowledge base
Negatives:
- Lacks advanced ITSM features beyond customer service
- Integration with IT tools is limited
- Can be expensive for a broad feature set