Final answer:
The base ServiceNow application for inventorying infrastructure and software is known as Discovery. It automates the identification and mapping of IT assets, storing this information in the CMDB.
Step-by-step explanation:
The base ServiceNow application to gather information on infrastructure and software is known as Discovery. Discovery is a module within ServiceNow that automates the process of identifying and mapping all IT components within your environment. The principal function of Discovery is to provide a comprehensive view and inventory of your IT assets, which is essential for managing them effectively.
Discovery works by scanning your IT environment for devices, software, and services that are connected to the network. It collects information about these assets, such as their configuration and relationship to each other, and stores this data in the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) within ServiceNow. This process allows IT departments to have an up-to-date view of their infrastructure, which is critical for incident, problem, and change management as well as for compliance and security assessments.