Logs such as audit records, intrusion alerts, transaction logs, connection logs, system performance records, event-logs, user activity logs, etc. are generated by nearly every computing device, applications, and databases. With the growing complexity (cloud, virtualization, BYOD, compliances, multiple databases etc.), and in many cases “organically grown architecture”, logs have become an integral part of IT infrastructure monitoring and compliance process.

Network devices, servers, databases, and applications generate log data on a variety of events and processes, from simply stating “all okay” or “there is an issue”. The key is to derive intelligence out of it i.e. knowing what needs to be monitored and managed. Having the right kind of tool or software makes it easier to monitor, report and take corrective actions from bulk log data.

IT departments should view Log data management as an opportunity to turn data into an insights but not as a challenge of large amount of structured and unstructured data.