What is the purpose of a Heartbeat probe?

The purpose of a Heartbeat probe is to check server status. This type of probe is essential for monitoring the health and availability of servers within the IT infrastructure. By sending regular heartbeats, the probe can determine whether the server is operating correctly or if there are any issues that need attention. It essentially acts as a "ping" to confirm that a server is alive and responding, which is crucial for maintaining a reliable and efficient system.

In the context of ServiceNow Discovery, ensuring that systems are operational helps in identifying and managing resources effectively. When the Heartbeat probe detects a server that is down or unresponsive, it can prompt further investigation or remediation efforts, thereby maintaining overall service continuity.