- Cutting-edge Generative AI and Now Assist capabilities including App Generation and Analytics Generation.
- An expanded set of developer tools and interfaces designed within the ServiceNow platform.
- The revamped ServiceNow Studio and much more.
Table of Contents
Xanadu Highlights
Key Features and Enhancements
1. Improved Generative AI Capabilities
Xanadu dramatically expands the generative AI functionalities available through Now Assist by ServiceNow. This includes support for critical functions in areas such as Security Operations (SecOps) and Sourcing & Procurement Operations. These advancements enable enterprises to reduce unnecessary complexities in their operations, significantly amplifying productivity through automated workflows powered by generative AI.
For instance, in SecOps, with AI-driven incident summaries and interactive Q&A capabilities, teams can reduce response times and enhance their overall security posture in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
2. Integration with Microsoft Copilot
ServiceNow has also announced the general availability of Now Assist integrated with Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365. This integration allows employees to initiate automated self-service tasks directly within Microsoft Teams in a seamless, connected experience that boosts productivity across boards.
3. Simplified Procurement Processes
The Xanadu release introduces an incredibly streamlined procurement intake process. All requests can be submitted with ease, significantly reducing complexity and ensuring compliance. This simplification allows procurement teams to focus more on high-value tasks, enhancing their overall productivity.
4. Custom GenAI Skill Development
Developers can now create custom GenAI skills tailored to their specific business requirements. This pro-code experience enables rapid development of AI-driven solutions that integrate seamlessly into the Now Platform, enhancing context and accuracy for end-users.
5. Features for Improved Collaboration
Xanadu enhances collaboration through features that generate data visualizations and automate chat/email responses. These tools allow teams to quickly gain insights from data and streamline communications, facilitating more effective teamwork. The developer tools promote rapid insights and encourage collaboration across departments.
6. Advanced Analytics and Reporting
Xanadu includes advanced analytics functionalities that provide organizations with deeper insights into their operations. Customizable dashboards and reporting tools enable more effective data-driven decision-making, empowering teams to act on real-time insights.
Finding this interesting? Read on to learn more about Xanadu.
What’s New for Developers
Xanadu is all set to transform the developer experience like never before. Here are some of the new features, key enhancements, and APIs for developers:
The Entry of ServiceNow® Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
ServiceNow IDE is a new application introduced in the Xanadu release for developers building scoped applications in a Visual Studio Code-inspired environment on the Now Platform for the web. IDE enhances productivity by facilitating collaboration among users of different skill sets across an instance and viewing changes in embedded Now Platform user interfaces. IDE also makes it possible to manage applications in source control with common Git providers.
ServiceNow Fluent Replaces XML
Fluent is the new domain-specific language (DSL) based on TypeScript language enabling developers to construct metadata files for an application in a straightforward way, along with APIs for tables, roles, ACLs, business rules, and Automated Test Framework tests. Developers can define metadata in a few lines of code instead of through a form or builder tool user interface. Additionally, Fluent makes two-way synchronization with the Now Platform easier during the application development process. It’s also much simpler to manage and version control complex applications. ServiceNow IDE or ServiceNow SDK-based applications support developing in ServiceNow Fluent.
Developer Sandboxes to Accelerate Innovative Use Cases
Xanadu introduces developers to their own virtual instances with Developer Sandboxes, fostering a modern software development environment. Sandboxes support a standard source control flow with feature branching that allows them to work on code without interfering with the main codebase. This is a great advantage for developers who can test, experiment, and develop applications efficiently and effectively.
A New Plugin for Now Assist
With the latest plugin for Now Assist called the Now Assist Skill Kit, users can customize prompts and skills; they can activate the ones that meet their specific needs since standard Now Assist skills cannot address those problems.
Improvements in Flow Designer & Integration Hub
Xanadu brings important improvements to Flow Designer with more refined user access controls and detailed flow annotations, and the addition of the ability to sign flows and actions. In Integration Hub, Avro messaging has been added, improving tracking of API requests.
Some Platform Enhancements
- The mobile platform features new controls on user attributes to improve visibility, easier collaboration for agents with a new experience for Sidebar, intelligent self-service integrated with Now Assist, and dynamic auto-fill options for user inputs.
- The Workspace functionality has been enhanced with more flexibility in the email recipients field, improved record categorization in Activity Stream, and better filtering of search results among other improvements.
- Xanadu improves the integration and functionality of the Virtual Agent including features like more support for Configure One Extend Rate Limit for incoming requests and LLM services for Virtual Agent conversations integrated with Microsoft Teams and Slack for easier and more intuitive interactions.
- The enhanced new features in the Service Catalog allow in-line form filling in Virtual Agent, faster loading of the catalog items in the Popular Items widget and embedding in third-party websites.
- Enhancements in Authentication-related processes and the UI builder and new scoped APIs and methods are among the many new additions in the ServiceNow Xanadu release.
The Bigger Picture: ServiceNow’s Commitment to Secure and Ethical AI
“Our customers want to use AI to make them more productive and produce better value. The Xanadu release marks a critical milestone in our GenAI roadmap empowering the enterprises to harness the full potential of AI to drive exceptional business outcomes,” says Jon Sigler, Senior Vice President of Platform and AI at ServiceNow.
ServiceNow is dedicated to advancing AI in a secure, responsible, and ethical way. The integration of internal processes and safeguards within the Now Platform helps maintain data confidentiality and compliance, allowing organizations to leverage AI safely and effectively.
To enhance its AI capabilities further, ServiceNow has partnered with leading organizations in the tech space. Collaborations with companies like NVIDIA and Hugging Face foster an open, transparent, and responsible AI ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, ServiceNow enhances the quality and performance of its newly introduced AI offerings, ensuring that customers receive the best value from their ServiceNow investment.
Final Thoughts: Customers, Employees, and Developers Across Industries Can Put Actionable AI to Work with Xanadu
The launch of Xanadu is not just a milestone for ServiceNow; it represents a significant advancement in the field of AI and business transformation. With innovative features, ServiceNow is paving the way for organizations to embrace the future of work confidently. The tools and capabilities introduced in Xanadu will empower developers and organizations alike to drive growth, enhance productivity, and improve employee experiences.
With future releases Yokohama and Zik in the pipeline, ServiceNow is on a mission to empower enterprises to effectively meet the challenges of their digital landscape by enhancing AI capabilities and collaboration simultaneously.
Do you have questions about the ServiceNow Xanadu release? We’re here to help! Connect with us.
Author
Ravi Rajamani
Ravi is the ServiceNow Practice Lead at KANINI. He brings close to 18 years of experience in the IT industry and has strong program & project management skills spanning ServiceNow, Resource Management, Solution Design, and Service Delivery. He has a proven track record of helping enterprise customers leverage ServiceNow platform efficiently.
