> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.itential.com/itential-platform/6/connect/overview/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.itential.com/_mcp/server.

# Connect to external systems

You can connect workflows to external systems in several ways. Pick the method that matches your needs, skills, and how much customization you require:

* **Integrations**: Model‑driven REST connectors generated from OpenAPI specs.
* **Adapters**: Node.js code for custom protocols or advanced logic.
* **Pre‑built automations**: workflows and adapters available from the Marketplace.
* **ServiceNow app**: run Platform workflows from ServiceNow with a certified app.
* **Cisco NSO Service Manager**: northbound integration for Cisco NSO.

### Integrations

Model‑driven connectors generated from OpenAPI or Swagger files. Integrations give you REST API access without coding and are the lightest option for standard services.

See [integrations overview](/admin-essentials/integrations/overview) for more information.

### Pre‑built automations

Use ready‑to‑run packages that bundle workflows, forms, templates, and adapters for common network and IT tasks. Get them from the Automation Marketplace and import them into your environment.

See [pre‑builts overview](/admin-essentials/pre-builts/overview) for more information.

### Adapters

Code‑driven connectors that run on the platform runtime. Choose adapters when you need custom protocols, advanced authentication, response transformations, or other behaviours that a model can’t express.

See [adapters overview](/adapters/introduction/overview) for more information.

### Comparing adapters and integrations

Adapters offer full customization but require code deployment and management. Integrations deploy from an OpenAPI spec with no code and use fewer resources. Use integrations for standard REST APIs and rapid rollout; use adapters when you need protocol flexibility or specific response handling.

#### Adapters

Best when you need custom protocols, advanced auth, or transformations.

#### Integrations

Best for REST APIs with OpenAPI docs and quick deployment.

Refer to [Adapters vs integrations](/itential-platform/best-practices/adapters-vs-integrations) for a detailed comparison.

### Cisco NSO Service Manager

This specialized connector handles northbound integration with Cisco NSO. See the [Cisco NSO guide](/cisco-nso/overview) for details.

### ServiceNow app

Install the certified Itential app in ServiceNow to run Platform workflows from ServiceNow without writing custom code.

See the [ServiceNow app guide](/servicenow-app/introduction/about) for more information.

#### Key features

* Auto-discovers published workflows via API
* Generates forms automatically in ServiceNow
* Embeds Itential Actions in ServiceNow Flows
* Installs from ServiceNow Store in minutes

#### Bidirectional integration

Combine the ServiceNow app (ServiceNow → Itential) with the ServiceNow adapter (Itential → ServiceNow) for complete integration.

[Learn about ServiceNow integration →](/servicenow-app/introduction/about)