Agent Client Collector (ACC) is an agent-based discovery method that excels where traditional agentless discovery is challenged. A primary use case is for devices in secure network zones (e.g., DMZ, PCI environments) where inbound network connections and credentials required for agentless discovery are blocked by firewalls. ACC initiates an outbound connection, which is more likely to be permitted. Another key use case is for devices that connect intermittently to the corporate network, such as laptops. The agent runs locally and can collect and cache data, sending it to the instance whenever a network connection is available, ensuring data is not missed.

A. Servers in a data center are typically always online and accessible on the corporate network, making them ideal candidates for traditional agentless discovery.

B. Network devices like routers and switches do not run a standard OS that can host an agent; they are discovered via agentless protocols like SNMP.

1. ServiceNow Product Documentation. Agent Client Collector. Section: "Agent Client Collector overview". The documentation states, "Agent Client Collector is ideal for discovering endpoints that are not easily accessible with agentless discovery, such as endpoints in a secure network or endpoints that are not always connected to the enterprise network."

2. ServiceNow Product Documentation. Agent Client Collector for Visibility. Section: "Agent Client Collector for Visibility use cases". This section explicitly lists "Discovering CIs in a secure network" and "Discovering CIs that are not always connected to the enterprise network" as key use cases.