What action does discovery perform when it runs for VMware?

When ServiceNow Discovery runs for VMware, it primarily utilizes the vCenter API to gather information about ESX machines. This is the correct answer because the vCenter API provides a robust interface for retrieving detailed details about the virtual machines and the underlying ESX infrastructure. This includes information such as the virtual machine configuration, state, relationships, and resource allocation, which are critical for creating an accurate IT asset inventory within ServiceNow.

The process involves establishing a connection to the vCenter server, which serves as the management platform for VMware environments. Once connected, Discovery can systematically pull data regarding the virtual infrastructure, ensuring that the ServiceNow configuration management database (CMDB) is updated with accurate and up-to-date information.

This API-driven approach to gathering data is essential for ensuring the integrity and reliability of the information managed within ServiceNow, particularly in dynamic environments where virtual machines can be frequently spun up and down.

Understanding the role of the vCenter API in this process emphasizes the importance of integrating cloud infrastructure management tools with configuration management systems to maintain comprehensive visibility over IT assets.