The Rome release is coming! This is your chance to find out what hot new platform features are coming to make building on the platform easier than ever before. Join us as we take a look at some new features as well as updates to your favorites to make them even better!

Originally aired: July 27, 2021 8:00 AM PT

• 00:00 Welcome and introductions
• 06:14 App Engine
• 12:27 WebUX
• 19:34 Development and configuration
• 24:14 Workflows and integrations
• 28:55 Security
• 32:03 Platform foundation
• 36:57 Poll and Q & A
• 40:35 Takeaways and next episode
• 42:25 Reference information
• 42:50 Final Q & A

Links Mentioned

Featured Experts

Chuck Tomasi is a Sr. Developer Advocate for ServiceNow. He is a computer science major with over 35 years of IT experience. As a former ServiceNow customer, Chuck won the first Innovation of the Year Award at Knowledge 10. Since joining ServiceNow in 2010 as a Technical Consultant, he has done many large scale ITSM implementations and custom applications, acted as an adjunct instructor for Education Services, created and lead the Technical Best Practices program, makes appearances on Live Coding Happy Hour, created dozens of fit for purpose custom applications, and co-hosts the ServiceNow series "TechNow".

Kreg Steppe is a Sr Staff Enterprise-wide Apps/Sys Developer within ServiceNow Training and Certification developing and supporting cloud training infrastructure. He specializes in developing integration solutions, automating repeatable processes and Cloud Management in ITOM. Kreg's prior experience includes operating his own ISP, developing web applications in PHP, network integration, managing network support, Application Development on cloud based networks, DNS and email server maintenance. He is a Linux enthusiast and enjoys Photography.

Jeremy Duncan is a Platform Architect on the Workflow Design Studio team at ServiceNow. Jeremy is an Enterprise Architect with over 16 years of IT and Service Management experience. His experience and certifications span across retail and manufacturing with focuses on hardware, software, and information security specialties and is a ServiceNow Certified Master Architect. He has done many implementations in both the Enterprise Federal and Commercial spaces since 2011 and brings a breadth of platform knowledge that aids him in sound architectural decisions. He achieved his B.B.A. at MTSU and majored in Information Systems. He spends his free time fighting crime as a volunteer certified police officer in North Nashville since 2012 and enjoys family time, camping, with his wife and kids!

Questions and Answers

With Delegated Citizen Collaboration, does the invited collaborator need a specific role in order to appear in the Invitees list?

When you invite them to collaborate, the appropriate roles are taken care of automatically. This was designed so one citizen dev could invite another. The system admin simply approves.

Is there an "installation for dummies" guide out there? I've found it quite challenging to even get AES installed with mystery app dependencies, etc., that were hard to get around.

There isn't a dummies guide as far as I know for AES. I'll pass this along to our product team so they can follow up to understand where the challenges are and address them.

Can mobile app builder be used on existing/already built mobile apps or is that only for net-new mobile apps?

While I haven't had hands-on experience yet (because it's not out), my understanding is that it will work with mobile apps built in pre-Rome releases.

how do I upgrade PDI to Rome release?

Sign in to developer.servicenow.com, click the "down arrow" next to your initials in the upper right, then choose Upgrade Instance from the list of choices.

how does workspace affect existing ui pages?

Existing UI pages are written in Jelly. This is not compatible with workspaces.

If we already have a scoped app in the store, what can we do to add it as an Experience?

I'm not sure I totally understand the question. If you're looking to add mobile and workspace, you can do that from Mobile Studio, Dev Studio, and UI Builder in Rome quite easily.

I am on my PDI but do not see how do I upgrade to Rome release?

Here you go. https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/guides/paris/developer-program/pdi-guide/managing-your-pdi

What do you mean by Theming?

Within UIB you are able to brand and theme. See: https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/quebec-application-development/page/administer/ui-builder/task/workspace-branding-theming-settings.html

Will there be any enhancements to UI Builder Portal Experiences in order to allow them to be responsive (bootstrap-like)?

That's on the radar. It did not make it in the Rome release.

Have you also added ATF for Agent Workspace?

ATF Form steps (open new form, field value validation) were existing and functional for Agent Workspace in Quebec (possibly before, can't find it in the release notes and don't have a Paris instance anymore), but it's limited to Agent Workspace and does not work for other (custom or product) workspaces, neither for Configurable Workspaces).

can we enable MFA for JUST the Security Admin role; after already using MFA/third party login (okta)?

Not that I'm aware. It's a great idea. I recommend posting it to the idea portal on the community.

What access is required for developer to create a new app or spoke?

Typically this is done with admin access, however App Engine Studio can provide non-admins a subset of low-code dev capabilities.

Do we need to learn any coding language for ui builder similar to angular js for service portal? Will service portal be deprecated?

Q1: No, UI builder was designed to be clicks, not code. There are opportunities to write server side code (e.g. GlideRecord queries), but that's nothing new. Q2: Service Portal will remain, it just won't be receiving any updates at this point.

Is the plan to move most things to the store?

Hey Jace, the direction is clearly to move many things to the store to provide for increased flexibility/velocity for updates, but I can't say if it's going to be "most". All those "good old global ITSM apps" aren't likely to be going anywhere soon. :)

A coworker wants to know what is glowing behind Jeremy

Tell your co-worker that's a book case with string lights behind it.

Is this Security more like MFA?What's more advanced features in this?

Sorry, I don't understand the question out of context since I don't recall which talking point it refers to. If you can clarify in the comments what "this security" means, perhaps we can answer. Thanks.

What makes the CMN structure different from the previous Profiles and Community features? Or is this an extension of that feature set?

I assume you are talking about the last few slides about the customer table structure and inbound email. The main point I was trying to make is that users can now have multiple emails to represent different personas (customer and employee, for example) and the inbound email would resolve and recognize correctly.

Can the timer-field type be used in the new UI builder/workspaces?

That is a good question. There are basically two questions in that. If you used a form component, does the timer-field display and work correctly (I don’t know but this should be easy to test on an oob workspace). The second would be is there a component I can use that is a timer field type - I’m 90% sure this is a no.

In the Security slide, there was a mention about tracking extracted data would this include data extracted via API, Reports , Export sets etc ?

Currently this is only for exporting from a list. I've got a question to the dev team about monitor the other vectors. If you feel it's an important point, I recommend adding it to the idea portal on the community (https://community.servicenow.com) Thanks.

I have a query regarding the inbound email action. We have field called personal email id user profile will this be considered for inbound without mapping it with guest

Custom fields on sys_user are not evaluated as part of the inbound process. To get this to work in Rome and beyond, you would need to map/copy that email address to the cmn_notif_device table and associate it to that user. A simple fix script should suffice for the initial data load and business rule to keep them up to date.

Will all questions be answered in the post?

Will the studio mobile builder get legacy with Mobile App Builder ?

I'm not sure I entirely understand the question. It sounds like you are asking if Mobile Studio will support pre-Rome mobile apps. My understanding at this point is "Yes". If I have misunderstood your question please respond in the comments below. Thank you

Is there a specific role that the invited collaborators need to have to appear in the Invitee list?

Not that I am aware, but I haven't had a chance to reverse engineer the automation and understand exactly what happens with the new AES collaboration/approval process.

What percentage of SN named scopes will be extensible in Rome so that modifications to OOB objects can be managed as new scoped apps rather than update sets?

With the addition of source control to SN Plugin apps (like CSM and HR), all changes, including global, can be managed in Studio and take advantage of source control. There should no longer be a need for update sets.

does App Engine Studio require a license?

Yes Daniel, it does.

Jeremy's connection is really cutting in and out.

Sorry Scot, i'll switch to a new connection, thanks!

Is configurable workspace available only on AES?

Hey Irston, while we have kicked Workspace out of the Guided App Creator in Dev Studio, you can create one directly from UIB without AES. Chuck is covering now that fact.

Do the Agent Workspaces work with the existing UI Polices, Client Scripts, etc that already exist in UI16?

I know UI Policies are supported and client scripts that adhere to best practices (like using g_form). I have to check again, but I though there was a checkbox that said something along the lines of "Works with Workspace". I could be thinking of UI actions though. As always, testing is always advised.

Can admin provide access to developers to build apps or spoke?

inbound email actions -> can we attach a shared email address to one user? besides their own personal email address

Technically, yes. Although, I'd be curious to understand the use case behind this. Curious.

Is new Condition Builder in Report Designer as well?

Short answer: No. The new condition builder in UI Builder replaced the standard UI16 condition builder to take advantage of the data constructs in UI builder (e.g. @context). Since that doesn't exist in reports, there's no need.

have atf's tables been added to the studio list of tables?

What do you mean by "studio list of tables"? Do you mean from the Create Application File picker? I.e.: Are you looking to manage your ATF tests/suites/steps directly in Studio?

Anything new in Rome for Virtual Agent or AI Search? Is there a webinar I can tune in to?

Apologies, we didn't cover those here. Technically we aren't allowed to until general availability in September. While I don't have details, I'm sure there will be upcoming webinars, podcasts, and videos in the community about those in Q3/Q4.

Is UI Framework included in the ATF improvements?

I'm assuming you mean "Can you test workspaces with ATF yet?" I believe that's coming in the next release. #safeharbor

Can the view of the workspace also be configured based on the role?

Can Source Control be utilized for Global Apps ?

Yes. That was available in Paris, if I recall correctly.

can you schedule installs of update sets?

Sorry, not at this point as a standard feature. There may be a third party library/app on the share page of the developer portal that some creative person wrote.

Can you demonstrate mobile app builder?

Unfortunately do the amount of information and limited time on this episode we cannot do demos. However, we will be doing follow on episodes of Creator Toolbox on Tuesday mornings and Live Coding Happy Hour (Thurs/Fri) that go in to deeper detail. The Mobile Builder is on the agenda.

Are there any resources for pro-code design and development?

Yes, we have several on the developer portal. developer.servicenow.com

Will there be some training modules specific to Mobile App Builder in the Now learning web site?

Yes. That's underway now.

Is this iOS or Android support or both?

I assume you mean the Mobile App Builder. Short answer: Yes.

any update in Rome related to regress ATF recorder?

Not that I'm aware of. I love the idea. Have you posted it to the Idea Portal on the Community site yet?

If I already have the custom app developed in Studio, can I switch to AES? Will my app show up in AES?

Hi Jenny! Yes! You will have to make sure the application that exists is tied to the project for the users that need access to manage/build that application!

That scheduled plugin install also imply I can install multiple plugins in parallel right away?

That sounds plausible if you schedule it to do multiple installs and the time is 'now' (or a minute or two in the future.) Worth testing.

What is the underlying technology behind workspace?

It's a ServiceNow specific technology based on web components designed to abstract the underlying technology such that if the technology landscape changes, you're not left with technical debt (as was the case with Jelly and AngularJS).

So when you say "Workspace" is configurable, does it include "Agent Workspace"?

Configurable Workspaces are the 2nd gen of workspace technology. The original Agent Workspaces were not compatible with the UI Builder. Most people use the generic term "Agent Workspace" to include all workspaces, but that's not entirely accurate.

so we can edit csm in studio now?

Yes, that's my understanding. Wei'll be testing this out on upcoming videos.

Did someone drop a sugary drink on the keyboard? :)

Seems as though doesnt it?

I am new to ServiceNow: so Flow Designer is the definitive way to go and not Workflow (Legacy)?

Yes. Create new flows in Flow Designer, maintain any existing legacy workflows in Workflow. Don't create new with the old tools. That's a bit like distributing a new movie on VHS today. :)

Will there be any Performance impact on Instance for Reactive Scan

Answered live, thanks!

can the tables be configured for the studio so that we can include tables like aft steps/suites etc?

Not as of Rome.

Will you be purging the old Flow Var_Dictionary entries? Or will there be a script provided to clean up that legacy data?

It's done automatically by the system. While I don't have the details, I have to assume there's a scheduled job somewhere that takes care of it.

I would like to read more about licensing and best practices for licensing? any changes in Rome?

When it comes to licensing, I invite you to reach out to your account team. To post something here would only serve as disinformation over time.

Does Configurable Workspace work in Service Portal vs. Native UI. Or can you use it to create a Workspace from Service Portal?

Answered Live, thanks for your question Wesley!

Does 'deleting' an APP also restore the Namespace? Or will we still need to open a HI ticket to have the corrected on the database?

Confirmed on my PDI and regular Rome instance. The namespace is now freed up, no matter if a delegated developer or admin deletes the app. Deleting in AES still only soft deletes (as of Rome EA, no further AES store release installed).

Beginner question: What is the difference between App Engine Studio and Dev Studio?

Hey Kenneth! AES is really the next-gen of Dev Studio. Making things easier for our Citizen Developers to build without writing code. Honestly, as a proDev, I think AES speeds up the build of apps...so...personally, I think it is a one-stop shop for all l

After Rome docs update/refresh I can't find a lot of Catalog documentation - not even the OOTB prescribed RITM lifecycle. I understand this is part of the push towards a Universal Request (like it, kudos!) but even the Request Fulfillment process guide from Success centre doesn't contain those details. I need to find it :<

Was your question related to the creation and maintenance of catalog items? This sounds more process oriented than development? Without knowing which I have a difficult time pointing you in the right direction. If you still cannot find what you are looking for, leave a comment below or try contacting your account's solution consultant. Thanks.

Does e-mail have to be unique across all personae? i.e. is it possible for 2 different users to have the same secondary persona e-mail address? (example case may be a group e-mail address)

I'd have to understand a little better what you are trying to do. Best practice is to use group email address on group records and user email address on user records.

Are there any enhancements for Domain sep?

Many of the features today support domain separation. Sorry for not clarifying that. I know this is important to many people. I invite you to check out the Dom Sep release notes. https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/rome-release-notes/page/release-notes/now-platform-administration/domain-separation-rn.html

Woo! AES is the best thing ever!

create defects in Test management 2.0.....I think there is an idea created for this during Madrid...is there any chance we get this in Rome Release?

I have not heard. I suggest following up with customer support or check the Idea Portal on the community.

Is the source control part "native" or does it rely on Git?

We integrate with external Git based source control. https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/rome-application-development/page/build/applications/concept/c\_SourceControlIntegration.html

Can the Playbook Record Generator work with Security Incident Response plugin?

The Playbook Record Generator works with all tables that you can use as trigger tables. This Docs page lists all tables covered by the different PAD licenses: https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/rome-servicenow-platform/page/administer/process-automation-designer/concept/activate-process-automation-designer.html#activate-process-automation-designer

Dev studio vs app engine studio ? What is your opinion ?

Dev Studio for the pro-devs, AES for citizen devs (and pro-devs who need certain features - quick start!)

Can Error Handling actions have access to error data pills ?

Answered live, thanks Rohit!

How the reactive scan is different from Health Scan ?

Answered live, thanks Shrikant!

Will the delete application feature be applicable on the existing custom apps?

Yes, it's a new option in the delegated development access.

Is there a timeline for whne now components will be available on sp (to expand on statement earlier?)

I have not heard of such a plan. Now components are not compatible with Service Portal. Two different technologies.

Why is the Servicenow CLI installer behind a login?

How i wish it weren’t… but that’s how our store works today, and legal hasn’t approved us just publishing the client installers elsewhere. At this point, you need to be a customer with a HI (support) login.

Platform encryption. How does this affect instances with database encryption?

I'm going to leave this for our next episode on Encryption. I hope you can join us on 8/31.

can we enhance existing service portal using UI Builder?

Sorry no. They are two different technologies. Service Portal is based on AngularJS and UI Builder uses the Now Experience technology.

with future updates can we expect workspaces enabled with AI search ? Right now its only available at portal, mobile app & VA

As far as I know, an AI search 'search application configuration' is an option for the 'Search Input' component for Configurable Workspaces: https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/reference/now-experience/quebec/shared-components/sn-search-combobox/uib-setup

Will there be a more easy way to setup SSO for AzureAD (Microsoft) for connecting integration hub with microsoft services?

Our integration/credential team is working on making the connections and credentials easier to manage and implement.

Will we see App User Persona extending in other applications like HRSD for new hires, employees, etc?

Interesting question. I don't have insight in to what HRSD is doing, sorry.

Are the final release notes for Rome posted, or are these still being updated?

As far as I know they are still being updated. Around GA (General Availability time) they should be stable.

Will we see any UX improvements for scope management/selection?

Yes. I saw some mock ups for what is on the drawing board for future releases and it's very exciting.

In slide 42, if the user have the same email id in two personas, what will happen

First found - first used. Like any other lookup.

What about pipeline in AES?

Rome has some steps in the right direction to help automate moving from dev to prod. More to come.