What is the main characteristic of a MID server?

The main characteristic of a MID server is that it acts as a connector to the instance. This means that the MID server facilitates communication between the ServiceNow cloud and the on-premises systems or external applications. It acts as a bridge, allowing secure transfer of data and commands from ServiceNow to other systems and back, which is crucial for Discovery processes.

The functionality of the MID server is what enables it to perform tasks such as identifying devices on a network, running scripts, and collecting data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the IT environment. This characteristic is fundamental for tasks that require integration with various systems that may not be directly accessible from the cloud.

In comparison, other options do not accurately capture the defining role of the MID server. It does require some configuration for effective operation, does not operate completely independently of networks since it needs to connect with both ServiceNow and on-premises resources, and it is designed to handle multiple applications, not just a single one. Hence, the assertion that it acts primarily as a connector to the instance accurately reflects its core purpose within the framework of ServiceNow operations.