#### **1\. Prerequisites**

Before you begin the installation, ensure that you meet the following prerequisites:

* **Hardware Requirements:**
* **Servers:** At least two servers, one for the application and one for the database.
* **CPU:** Multi-core processors with high speed.
* **Memory:** Minimum of 16 GB RAM for each server (more may be needed based on usage).
* **Storage:** High-performance SSDs with enough capacity for both the application and database. Storage needs will vary depending on the size of your organization.
* **Software Requirements:**
* **Operating System:** RHEL/CentOS or any other supported Linux distribution.
* **Database:** MySQL (preferred), Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server.
* **Java Runtime Environment (JRE):** Version compatible with ServiceNow.
* **Web Server:** Apache Tomcat or another supported web server.
* **Load Balancer:** Required for production environments to distribute traffic.
* **Network:** Ensure the network can handle the load and has proper security configurations.
* **Licenses:** Ensure that you have the necessary licenses for the ServiceNow platform, database, and any other software.

#### **2\. Preparing the Environment**

* **Step 1: Set Up Your Servers**
* Install the operating system on both the application and database servers.
* Ensure all security patches and updates are applied.
* Configure network settings, ensuring both servers can communicate with each other securely.
* **Step 2: Install Database Server**
* Install MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server on the database server.
* Create the necessary databases and users for ServiceNow.
* Ensure that the database server is properly secured and optimized for performance.
* **Step 3: Install Web Server**
* Install Apache Tomcat or your chosen web server on the application server.
* Configure the webserver to handle HTTPS connections and secure your installation.

#### **3\. Installing ServiceNow**

* **Step 1: Obtain the ServiceNow Installation Package**
* Contact ServiceNow support to obtain the on-premise installation package. This will typically include the binaries, configuration files, and documentation needed for the installation.
* **Step 2: Install the Application**
* Unpack the installation package on the application server.
* Follow the provided installation instructions to install the ServiceNow application.
* During installation, you will configure the connection to your database server.
* Ensure that all environment variables, such as JAVA\_HOME, are set correctly.
* **Step 3: Configure the Application**
* After installation, configure the necessary properties, such as the connection string to the database, email settings, and any integrations.
* Customize the instance as per your organizational requirements.
* **Step 4: Deploy Load Balancer (Optional)**
* If you're setting up a production environment, configure a load balancer to distribute traffic across multiple application servers.
* Ensure that session persistence (sticky sessions) is configured to manage user sessions properly.

#### **4\. Securing the Installation**

* **Step 1: Apply Security Configurations**
* Implement SSL/TLS certificates for secure communication.
* Configure firewall rules to limit access to the servers.
* Set up a VPN or other secure connection methods if remote access is required.
* **Step 2: Regular Security Audits**
* Regularly review and update security settings.
* Conduct vulnerability scans and patch any security issues promptly.

#### **5\. Testing and Validation**

* **Step 1: Perform Functional Testing**
* Validate that all modules and features of ServiceNow are functioning correctly.
* Test the performance and load capacity to ensure it meets your organization's needs.
* **Step 2: Backup and Recovery Testing**
* Ensure that backup procedures are in place and working.
* Test recovery from backup to ensure that you can restore operations in case of a failure.

#### **6\. Go-Live and Post-Installation**

* **Step 1: Monitor Performance**
* After going live, monitor the performance closely for any issues.
* Set up monitoring tools to keep an eye on server load, application performance, and security logs.
* **Step 2: Training and Documentation**
* Provide training to your IT team on managing and maintaining the on-premise ServiceNow instance.
* Document all customizations and configurations for future reference.
* **Step 3: Regular Maintenance**
* Schedule regular maintenance windows for updates and patching.
* Keep the environment updated with the latest ServiceNow patches and versions.

Installing ServiceNow on-premise is a complex process, but with careful planning and execution, it can provide your organization with a better-regulated and secured instance. Ensure that you follow best practices for security, performance, and maintenance to keep your instance running smoothly.

Always consult with ServiceNow support or a certified partner if you encounter any issues during the installation process.

Additional Helpful Documents and FAQ's are available in the attachments

_\-Harneet Sital_ _Request you please mark the article as_ **_helpful_** _if this has helped you_[**_Find all my ServiceNow articles here_**](https://community.servicenow.com/community?id=community%5Fuser%5Fprofile&user=be40dee5db581fc09c9ffb651f961980)