In Service Mapping, which one of the following is true if host discovery fails on the entry point configuration item?

Service Mapping employs a top-down discovery approach that begins with a defined entry point. The very first step in this process is to discover the host Configuration Item (CI) on which the entry point resides. This host discovery is a foundational prerequisite for all subsequent steps. If Service Mapping cannot successfully identify and classify the host, it lacks the necessary context to discover the applications running on it or the connections originating from it. Therefore, the mapping process for that service halts, logs an error, and will not proceed until the host discovery issue is resolved.

B. Service Mapping will continue to discover just the applications comprising the service: Application discovery is impossible without first successfully discovering the host on which the applications are running.
C. Service Mapping will continue to discover just the connections comprising the service: Connection discovery requires identifying the source and destination CIs (like hosts/applications), which cannot be done if the initial host is not found.
D. Service Mapping will continue to discover applications and connections comprising the service: This is incorrect as both application and connection discovery are dependent on the successful initial discovery of the host CI.

1. ServiceNow Product Documentation - Service Mapping discovery: The documentation outlines the sequential nature of the discovery process. It states, "Service Mapping starts discovery from entry points... It first discovers the host CI on which the entry point is running." This establishes host discovery as the initial, mandatory step. (Reference: ServiceNow Product Documentation, "Service Mapping discovery", section "Service Mapping discovery process").

2. ServiceNow Product Documentation - Service Mapping patterns: The logic within patterns confirms this dependency. A pattern designed for a web application entry point, for example, will have an initial step to identify the host. If this step fails, the pattern execution stops, preventing further discovery of applications or connections. (Reference: ServiceNow Product Documentation, "Create or modify a Service Mapping pattern", section "Pattern Designer").

3. ServiceNow Product Documentation - Troubleshoot Service Mapping: Troubleshooting guides for common issues like credential failures or connectivity problems for an entry point confirm that these issues block the mapping process. The resolution involves fixing the host discovery problem, after which mapping can be re-initiated. (Reference: ServiceNow Product Documentation, "Troubleshoot Service Mapping", section "Service Mapping discovery errors").