Log Management Tools manage large quantities of log messages, or computer-generated audit trails and event logs. The software automates log collection, aggregating and centralizing, and analysis, to ease the process of detecting errors or events of interest that happen during data and application processing.
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Log management tools are products that centralize, analyze, visualize, and dispose of log data. Log management tools provide real-time alert management and dynamic performance monitoring to give organizations increased visibility and insight into the health, efficiency, and security of their systems. Log management software can also be used to clean, convert, or otherwise adjust log data.
Log management tools are useful because they allow users to keep thorough records of their data, system alerts, and asset performances, and access them from a consolidated platform. This is especially useful in network security applications, as log management tools can help identify and address potentially dangerous data events. Log management tools also offer visualization features that can create easy-to-read network maps and data usage graphs.
Log management tools share features with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Software and Event Monitoring Software products, primarily regarding event and alert management. However, log management tools are distinct in that they offer comprehensive, automated features for log consolidation, cleaning, and storage.
The most common log management tools have the following features:
When choosing the best log management tools for you, consider the following:
Scalability: If you plan to increase the size of your network and asset inventory, you’ll need a log management tool that can scale to your needs. Cloud-native log management software might be a good choice, since cloud tools are usually easier to scale as your network grows.
Log size and retention: The amount of log data you anticipate every day, as well as how long you intend to store logs, will be a vital consideration. It can affect software performance and pricing, which will be especially noticeable if you use the log management tool software for real-time data or if you experience traffic spikes. Each product handles these concerns differently, so vendors should be contacted for input on this matter.
Compliance management: If you are handling sensitive data or you need to meet privacy regulations, you’ll want a log management tool designed to help with auditing and compliance. Some tools allow you to store logs in both original and altered formats, with data masking features to obscure sensitive data without deleting it.
Data sources: Depending on the type of data you are working with and the subsequent logs you’ll need to manage, some products may suit your needs better than others. Fluentd, for example, offers support specifically to manage logs for sensors and Internet of Things devices. Datadog Log Management offers support for a wide variety of operating systems and software platforms, including Windows, Linux, iOS, UNIX, and Chrome OS.
Cloud or onsite deployment: If your network includes remote workers or off-premises devices, a cloud-deployed log management tool may be a better option for remote, omnipresent business asset monitoring. However, cloud-based services are dependent on server uptime and can be overwhelmed by ingestion spikes or heavy querying, especially at lower pricing tiers. For consistently heavy workloads, an onsite deployment might be a better choice.
Many vendors of log management tools offer free plans with a limited amount of storage space or number of logs per day. There are also several free open-source options.
Paid products tend to have the following models:
Many vendors offer free trials, demo periods, and custom pricing plans for their products.
Popular log management tools include:
