According to the ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management documentation, a configuration item (CI) is an entity or thing that you wish to track that is required for the delivery of a service. A CI can be a hardware asset, a software asset, a service, a document, or any other component that is part of the IT infrastructure1. A CI is different from an IT asset in that a CI focuses on the technical attributes and relationships of the component, while an IT asset focuses on the financial and contractual aspects of the component2. Therefore, a component is considered a CI as opposed to an IT asset when you want to track its relationship information, such as its dependencies, impacts, and interactions with other CIs. Relationship information helps to manage the configuration and performance of the IT services and to identify and resolve incidents and problems3.
The other options are not correct because:
Track its incurred costs: This is a function of an IT asset, not a CI. An IT asset tracks the cost, depreciation, and value of the component, as well as the budget and expenses related to the component2.
Manage its retirement: This is also a function of an IT asset, not a CI. An IT asset tracks the status, location, ownership, and history of the component, as well as the events and actions that occur during the asset lifecycle, including its retirement or replacement2.
Manage its license contracts: This is another function of an IT asset, not a CI. An IT asset tracks the terms and conditions, warranties, service level agreements (SLAs), and renewals of the contracts associated with the component. Contract management helps to manage the vendor relationships and compliance obligations of the component2.
Know who is using it: This is not a specific function of either an IT asset or a CI, but rather a common attribute that can be shared by both. Both an IT asset and a CI can have a user or owner field that indicates who is using or responsible for the component4.
References:
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management: Asset and CI management
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management: Configuration Management
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management: Configuration item (CI)
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management: Asset and CI fields
