Classes are represented as tables in the ServiceNow database that define the attributes and relationships of a specific type of record1
The base asset class is the alm_asset table, which contains the common fields and properties for all types of assets, such as hardware, software, consumable, etc.2
The alm_asset table is extended by other asset classes, such as alm_hardware, alm_software, alm_consumable, etc., which add more specific fields and properties for each asset type2
The cmdb_asset table is not a class, but a view that joins the alm_asset table and the cmdb_ci table, which is the base configuration item (CI) class3
The cmdb_hardware table is a CI class, not an asset class, that contains the common fields and properties for all types of hardware CIs, such as computers, devices, network equipment, etc.4
