What is the role of a Horizontal Discovery Probe?

The function of a Horizontal Discovery Probe is to fire a horizontal pattern in a Process Classifier. This is a crucial step in the discovery process, as it enables the system to identify and classify various IT infrastructure components by executing predefined patterns horizontally across the environment. The horizontal patterns are designed to understand relationships and communications between different devices and applications, thus allowing for effective data gathering and classification.

By deploying these patterns, organizations can improve the accuracy of their Configuration Management Database (CMDB) and enhance overall visibility into their IT assets. This holistic approach not only aids in understanding the configuration and interdependencies of various elements but also assists in maintaining up-to-date and reliable information in the CMDB.

On the other hand, options like processing XML payloads, monitoring discovery patterns, or connecting the CMDB with external systems do not directly pertain to the specific role of a Horizontal Discovery Probe. These functions are part of broader discovery processes or tasks that involve different components and mechanisms within the discovery framework.