ServiceNow Data Integration with SharePoint

ServiceNow ITSM data can be integrated codeless with native SharePoint lists using the Layer2 Business Data List Connector. You can also connect to 100+ more supported systems and applications. In case you are looking for Online data integration, you will find the right tool here.

Benefits of ServiceNow Integration in SharePoint

ServiceNow data integration in SharePoint has the following features and benefits:

• Very easy to setup in a few minutes: Create a SharePoint list, click "Connect to external data source" in the list settings, select the data provider, enter connection settings and data query as shown below. That's it.
• No changes in the ServiceNow data source required: No programming, no additional tools.
• Connected list data always up-to-date: The connected ServiceNow data query updates automatically in background (via SharePoint Timer Job), or alternatively, on-demand (Action Menu / Ribbon Button, URL, via workflow, API).
• One-way and optional two-way connection: You can write-back the changes made in the SharePoint list to the external ServiceNow data source automatically with full CRUD (Create / Update / Delete) functionality. The SharePoint list can act as a full-featured front-end for external systems.
• Well-known BCS "external list" issues and limitations are completely solved: ALL list features are to you. Views, sorting and grouping, filters, calculated fields, search, managed metadata. Lookups, additional columns and attachments can be created as normal. All kind of lists can be used, e.g. contacts, tasks, calendar, or custom lists. You can take external data offline via Outlook.
• Workflows and notifications on external data change: List workflows and change notifications per RSS or email can be used to take business actions in SharePoint, when external ServiceNow data records are changed.
• Application logging, reporting, and notifications: A SharePoint list is used to store settings and log information. SharePoint item versioning and workflows can be used to manage reporting and notifications. Direct notification per email in case of errors is supported as well.
• Highest Security, best performance, easy to maintain: SharePoint Secure Store can be used to store security relevant configuration information safely in one central place. Users are working with the SharePoint lists as an external data cache with highest security and performance. Large data sources can be synchronized.
• 100+ more external systems supported: Layer2 Data Providers included (e.g. for external SharePoint or Office 365, Exchange, Dynamics ERP/CRM, OData, XML/RSS, SOAP), vendor specific data providers can be used (e.g. SQL Server Oracle, MySQL etc.), 3rd party data providers also supported, e.g. for custom ERP/CRM, Facebook or Twitter. See here for supported systems and applications.

ServiceNow Specific SharePoint List Configuration Settings

In the SharePoint General List Settings click "Connect to external data source". In the BDLC list configuration form, the data source must be configured as follows to connect to ServiceNow using the CData ServiceNow Data Provider:

Figure 1: Example connection configuration to connect a native SharePoint list to an ServiceNow data source.

Please note the following about specific settings:

• Install the CData ADO.NET Provider for ServiceNow. This provider is not part of the Layer2 Cloud Connector ADO.NET provider package and should be installed separately from the vendor's product page. It requires extra licensing.
• Choose "CData ADO .NET Provider for ServiceNow 2017" (exact name might vary) as "Data Provider" for your data entity
• Follow the vendor instructions for setting up the connection string and select statement (see below for samples).
• Set the connection string as required:Instance=myInstance; OAuthClientId=myClientId; OAuthClientSecret=myClientSecret; Username=myAccount; Password=myPassword;InitiateOAuth=GETANDREFRESH;
• This Provider uses OAuth 2 to connect to the Service Now API. The vendor has instructions on how to set up the OAuth clientIDs and Client Secrets, if you do not have one already set.
• The Instance value is taken from your instance URL. For example, if your instance URL is https://MyInstance12345.service-now.com/, set the Instance property to ' MyInstance12345'
• The ClientID looks like a GUID.
• A client secret looks like an encoded string of numbers and characters.
• Set the data query as required:SELECT * FROM myTable
• You can use write-back to synchronize data back to ServiceNow. In case of inserts (full CRUD) via external systems, please take care to use an appropriate primary key.
• No installation or changes are required at the ServiceNow data source or data destination.
• No programming required for setup a connection and sync.
• No need to open your local network for access from outside.

Do you have any issues with connecting? Please contact support@layer2solutions.com for next steps.

ServiceNow Data Provider Connection Details

Provider:

CData ADO .NET Provider for ServiceNow 2017

Connection string sample:

Instance=myInstance; OAuthClientId=myClientId; OAuthClientSecret=myClientSecret; Username=myAccount; Password=myPassword; InitiateOAuth=GETANDREFRESH

Select Statement sample:

SELECT myField1, myField2 FROM myTable

For additional information, see the Provider User Documentation.

SharePoint Integration via ServiceNow - Known Issues and Workarounds

There are other providers that can connector to ServiceNow, but we have only tested the one noted above. If you run into issues with trying to use a different vendor's provider with the Cloud Connector, please contact support@layer2solutions.com for troubleshooting assistance.

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