What is MID Server long polling?

MID Server long polling refers to a persistent connection that enables MID Servers to both receive and send messages efficiently. This mechanism is essential in environments where real-time data exchange is crucial, as it allows for continuous communication between the MID Server and the ServiceNow instance.

When a MID Server uses long polling, it maintains an open connection to the server and waits for messages, thereby reducing the time it takes to establish a new connection for each communication. This is particularly effective for events that require immediate attention, such as receiving new discovery instructions or updates.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of long polling. For instance, starting probes at scheduled times is related to scheduling tasks, which does not involve the persistent interaction that long polling provides. Manually querying the ServiceNow database does not pertain to the communication mechanism utilized by the MID Server. Additionally, while reducing network latency can be important for overall performance in discovery processes, this is not the main purpose of long polling, which focuses on maintaining a steady connection instead.