What is the primary function of dependency mapping in ServiceNow Discovery?

The primary function of dependency mapping in ServiceNow Discovery is to visualize the relationship of applications and their hosts based on running processes. This capability allows organizations to understand how different applications interact with one another and their underlying infrastructure. By mapping dependencies, ServiceNow enables IT teams to see which applications are dependent on specific hosts, providing critical insights for incident management, change management, and capacity planning.

This visualization helps in identifying potential impact areas when changes or outages occur, as it clarifies which systems need to be considered during maintenance or troubleshooting efforts. Understanding these relationships aids in optimizing performance and improving the overall reliability of IT services.

The other choices, while related to application management, do not capture the essence or primary goal of dependency mapping as effectively. Classifying applications based on performance metrics is focused on evaluating performance rather than interrelationships. Creating relationships based on user access is more about security and access control than infrastructure dependency. Establishing network security protocols pertains to safeguarding communication and does not focus on the visualization aspect of application dependencies. Thus, the correct choice aligns most closely with the core purpose of dependency mapping in ServiceNow Discovery.