In centralized logging, logs from networks, infrastructure, and applications are gathered in one place for storage and analysis. This can give managers a consolidated view of all network activity, making it simpler to find and fix problems.

The Vista Event Log has undergone significant upgrades from Microsoft, as you have seen, transforming it from a PC-based system to an enterprise-level tool. Windows system administrators have sought to gather events from remote computers for a very long time. Vista makes it possible at last. But even with its upgrades, is the Vista event management and collecting system sufficient in and of itself? Let’s take a closer look.

Vista Only: Collecting Logs

  • Since Vista is the only operating system that supports the new Event Log capabilities, all of the computers you will be monitoring must be running Vista.
  • Additionally, because Windows Server 2008, the server operating system that supports the same event-collecting functionality as Vista, won’t be made commercially available until the end of this year, your collector system won’t be a server.
  • Each system’s event automation needs to be configured locally.
  • Because each system delivers data to the collector independently, there won’t be a single console for managing policies. If for any reason you need to change your collection policy, you must do so on each machine separately.
  • Unless you utilize the appropriate tools, such as Microsoft PowerShell, updating each endpoint system is a laborious process by default.
  • Standardization will be challenging due to the independence of each device in the collection.

Central Collection Requirements

  • You need some combination of distributed processing and centralized control for managing distributed systems. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to deal with each individual endpoint. Software distribution is a prime illustration.
  • It’s crucial to manage events through a centralized event management system. To automate policy deployment and change policies across all systems from a single location, you need a centralized solution.
  • Additionally, even though Microsoft has done a great job of documenting events as much as possible, it is still useful to have access to a Windows event “expert” who can point you in the direction of the most crucial events to keep an eye out for. Having access to a sophisticated knowledge library that can explain any Windows event is also convenient.

Tools for Professional Event Management

Does Vista suffice by itself? Actually, no. The modifications made by Microsoft have significantly improved the stability and strength of the Vista Event Log as an event management environment. Excellent examples of how Microsoft can implement and design a standards-based operating system include the fact that all events are stored in XML format, Windows Remote Management now enables system management through widely used HTTP ports, and the task scheduler is now integrated with event management. These adjustments make it simpler for independent software developers to create and incorporate thorough management systems within the Vista OS.

Use tools like the CYB3R-X platform if you want to be sure you are aware of what is happening on your network. Do it right if you’re relocating to Vista. Switch to a managed network approach and introduce full network administration. Let CYB3R-X help you with your central log information.