Automated Log Collection Utility for Storage Area Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for collecting log files in a storage area network (SAN) are manual, error-prone, and require extensive knowledge of application installation and log file storage locations, especially in environments with numerous host computers and diverse software applications.
Innovation Solution
The Log Collection Utility (LCU) automates the process of identifying and collecting log files by using an XML file to specify log locations and employing Perl scripts to dynamically determine installed applications and collect logs, transferring them to a central server for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual log collection methods are used, then administrators can collect log files, but the process requires extensive knowledge of application installation and log file storage locations, is time-consuming, and is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying installed applications and their log file locations before collection is needed. The log collection utility proactively discovers applications, determines where their logs are stored, and prepares for collection without requiring administrator intervention or knowledge of specific paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The log collection utility serves itself by automatically identifying applications, locating their log files, and collecting them without external assistance. The system uses automated discovery mechanisms to find applications and their associated logs, eliminating the need for administrators to manually navigate file systems or know installation directories.
2Productivity
If manual log collection methods are used, then administrators can retrieve log files, but extensive knowledge of application installation directories and log file locations is required
Solution Approach 1:
The log collection utility acts as an intermediary between the administrator and the complex file system structure. Instead of requiring administrators to directly navigate installation directories and locate logs, the utility mediates this process by automatically discovering applications, determining their installation locations, finding associated log files, and collecting them - shielding the administrator from the underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified representation or copy of the application installation structure, mapping applications to their log file locations automatically. Rather than requiring administrators to know the actual file system paths and directory structures, the utility maintains an automated understanding of these relationships and uses this copied knowledge to perform collections efficiently.
3Reliability
If manual log collection methods are used, then log files can be collected, but the process is highly manual and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The log collection utility performs self-service by automatically identifying installed applications, locating their log files, and collecting them without human intervention. The system autonomously navigates the file system, discovers applications through automated detection mechanisms, determines log file paths, and executes collection - eliminating manual steps that could introduce human error and increasing both reliability and automation level simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for locating and collecting application logs are disclosed. Embodiments disclosed herein can be advantageously utilized to collect application logs from a plurality of computers in a network. For example, embodiments disclosed herein can be used to identify and collect application logs from a plurality of host computers in a storage area network.