Which port probe method is executed first during ServiceNow Discovery?

The correct answer is WMI, which is executed first during ServiceNow Discovery due to the way the discovery process is designed to collect data from Windows devices. WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) is specific to the Microsoft Windows operating system and allows for the deep collection of configuration and performance data from Windows hosts.

Beginning the discovery process with WMI makes sense because it targets a specific set of features available only in Windows environments, including system management and querying operating system information, such as installed software and hardware configurations. This gives a comprehensive initial snapshot of a Windows machine's state and capabilities.

The order of port probe methods in ServiceNow Discovery is designed to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of data gathering. By starting with WMI for Windows systems, the discovery process can quickly gather detailed information before potentially moving on to other methods for non-Windows systems. This strategy helps in maximizing the information obtained from devices tailored to their environments.

Focusing first on WMI is crucial, as it sets the stage for additional probes like SNMP or SSH, which may collect supplementary information from devices that can respond to those protocols.