Logging is an essential part of development. It can help localize issues for debugging and provided detailed information about what's going on behind the scenes. Logging allows sysadmins to oversee numerous devices and ensure everything is functioning as it should. It also plays a vital role in cybersecurity, a huge concern as cloud computing takes over.
Using a Syslog server can consolidate event logs and present them in a useful way, even when using a system that doesn't natively support the tech. Here are ten of the best Syslog servers for Windows and Linux.
PRTG Network Monitor
The PRTG Network Monitor is the brainchild of Paessler. This offering is a powerful network monitoring tool that also offers a Syslog server built into the overall package. Users love the alarm protocols that indicate the severity of an event, and this comprehensive system boasts a centralized monitoring system.
The downside of the PRTG Network Monitor is that it isn't a standalone system; the Syslog server is rolled into the monitoring software.
SolarWinds Kiwi
SolarWinds has long been a fan-favorite for logging. They offer the highly-recommended Linux Log Analyzer by Papertrail, a subsidiary of the SolarWinds brand.
The Kiwi Syslog Server by SolarWinds has a simple interface that users love. This web-based platform is versatile, customizable, and has a strong focus on adhering with regulatory practices.
SolarWinds Loggly
Loggly is another high-quality SolarWinds offering. The Loggly system offers a free trial for users to try before they buy. Furthermore, this cloud-based program offers efficient search capabilities, system speed, and real-time app performance monitoring.
Loggly is favored amongst DevOps teams and engineers for its hearty performance monitoring capabilities.
SNMPSoft Syslog Watcher
The sNMPSoft Syslog Watcher can manage up to 5000 messages per second and sends email alerts when pertinent issues arise. With highly-customizable search metrics and a speedy interface, users love the efficiency of this Syslog server.
Users love the tiered pricing option with extended maintenance subscription. The base version is free and manages up to five sources. The maintenance subscription provides focused support and updates.
ManageEngine Event Log Analyzer
ManageEngine Event Log Analyzer is renowned for its ease-of-use and friendly interface. It's also integrated with regulatory compliance reporting, making it a shoo-in for cybersecurity tools.
The alerting system is highly customizable, allowing admins to define notification priorities and groups based on the incident. The centralized and visual platform for log storing and analyzing makes this a powerful contender for Syslog servers.
Splunk Light
Splunk is a lesser-known option for Syslog servers, but it has somewhat of a cult following. It's a versatile system that can index data from multiple sources, but while that's a benefit for some, it creates challenges for others.
Splunk's main benefit is its powerful drill-down and analytic capabilities. Using search fields or retracing steps with your mouse allows users to find solutions to alerts within seconds.
The Dude
Believe it or not, the name isn't The Dude's best feature. This is a free system that offers general network monitoring as well as Syslog management.
Users love that The Dude is simple, streamlined, and easy to use for monitoring and log management.
Visual Syslog Server
The name says it all. Visual Syslog Server has a beautiful interface that allows for color-coding and visual labeling to make Syslog management easy.
This system is lightweight and offers basic automation capabilities, making it the ideal choice for beginners.
Logstash
This free, open-source Syslog server is another beginner-friendly option. It's simple to use and offers instantaneous logging so that users can trust that everything is up to date.
The one complaint about Logstash is that it takes up a lot of memory. Keep this in mind when using an older machine.
Icinga Open-Source Monitoring
Finally, Icinga is another open-source option that has a Syslog management protocol rolled into it. This system is another visually stimulating option that users love. It's powerful with a simple configuration that creates flexibility across the board.
With so many options, it can be hard to narrow down the choices. Many options have a free version with which you can experiment to find the Syslog server that works for you.