MID Server release notes

  • Release version: Xanadu
  • Updated August 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read
    • Summarize
    Summarized using AI
    This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.

    Summary of MID Server release notes

    The ServiceNow MID Server application facilitates secure communication and data exchange between a ServiceNow instance and external applications, data sources, and services. The Xanadu release introduces enhancements that improve security, logging, and integration capabilities, enabling customers to better manage and extend their ServiceNow environments.

    Show full answer Show less

    Key Features

    • Azure Key Vault Integration: MID Server now supports integration with Azure Key Vault, allowing Orchestration, Discovery, and Service Mapping to operate without storing credentials on the ServiceNow instance, enhancing security.
    • Log File Compression: MID Server supports compression of log files to optimize storage and management. This feature is configurable via MID Server properties but is disabled by default.

    Important Upgrade Information

    • The minimum supported Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version is 11.0.9; the recommended version is 11.0.16.1. During upgrade, if an unsupported JRE is detected, a warning is displayed.
    • Upgraded MID Servers will use a supported JRE if available on the host machine.
    • All MID Server host machines must have access to install.service-now.com for auto-upgrades to function.
    • Only one Windows MID Server service per executable path is supported; multiple services pointing to the same installation folder will prevent the MID Server from starting after upgrade.
    • Additional upgrade guidance is provided through pre-upgrade checks and manual upgrade procedures to ensure smooth transitions.

    Activation and Related Applications

    • MID Server is an AI Platform feature that is active by default in ServiceNow.
    • It supports several key ServiceNow applications including Discovery, Orchestration, Service Mapping, Event Management, Cloud Management, Operational Intelligence, and Health Log Analytics by enabling these applications to interact securely with external systems and collect critical operational data.

    The ServiceNow® MID Server application enables communication and data transfers between a ServiceNow instance and external applications, data sources, and services. MID Server was enhanced and updated in the Xanadu release.

    MID Server highlights for the Xanadu release

    • Run other applications without storing any credentials on the instance with the Azure Key vault.
    • MID Server supports log file compression.

    See MID Server for more information.

    Important information for upgrading MID Server to Xanadu

    For the latest MID Server system requirements, see MID Server system requirements. The minimum JRE version supported is 11.0.9 and the recommended version is 11.0.16.1.

    If you have installed your own JRE, the upgrade process takes the following actions to verify that the MID Server uses a supported JRE:
    • If a MID Server is using an unsupported version of the JRE when it upgrades, the upgrade process displays a warning message with the minimum and recommended JRE version.
    • If a supported JRE is running on the MID Server host, the upgraded MID Server uses that version.

    All MID Server host machines require access to the download site at install.service-now.com to enable auto-upgrades. For additional details, read how the system manages MID Server upgrades.

    Only one Windows MID Server service is permitted according to executable path. Upgraded Windows MID Servers that have multiple services pointing to the same installation folder can’t start. See MID Server fails to start for more information.

    For more information about MID Server upgrades, see the following topics:

    New in the Xanadu release

    MID Server support for Azure Key vault

    The MID Server integration with the Azure Key vault enables Orchestration, Discovery, and Service Mapping to run without storing any credentials on the instance.

    Changed in this release

    MID Server log enhancement

    MID Server supports log file compression. The new log file handler settings are available as MID Server properties on the instance. The compression mode is not enabled in the base system.

    Activation information

    MID Server is a ServiceNow AI Platform feature that is active by default.

    Related ServiceNow applications and features

    Discovery

    Discovery uses the MID Server to launch probes and patterns that return information to the CMDB about devices and applications running in your environment. Discovery schedules select appropriate MID Servers based on their configured capabilities and assigned IP ranges.

    Orchestration

    Orchestration uses the MID Server to do work on internal and external systems. Orchestration selects MID Servers based on their capabilities and the applications that they’re allowed to use.

    Service Mapping

    Service Mapping uses the MID Server to launch patterns that return information about business services running in your environment.

    Event Management

    Event Management uses the MID Server to receive and process events, collect data for root cause analysis (RCA), and collect SNMP traps.

    Cloud Management

    Cloud Management uses the MID Server to collect and process VMware events.

    Operational Intelligence

    Operational Intelligence uses MID Server clusters to capture operational metrics data from external data sources and analyze them for anomalies.

    Health Log Analytics
    Health Log Analytics uses the MID Server to collect log data streaming into your instance and helps you identify the root cause of issues.