LogLogic integrates log management with EMC Smarts

IDG News Service - LogLogic Inc. has integrated its appliance-based log management software with EMC Corp.'s Smarts real-time network management technology, the company announced today.

Customers using both vendors' technologies will be able to access 100% of the log data from the majority of their devices and software via Smarts.

Log data is the automatic recording of events by computer programs including operating systems, applications and firewalls, and by devices such as servers and routers.

"It certainly makes sense for LogLogic to team with Smarts," Jon Oltsik, senior analyst, information security, at Enterprise Strategy Group, wrote in an e-mail response for comment. "Security and network operations are merging in many companies so security visibility is essential."

Log data is becoming an increasingly important resource for companies to access so they can better monitor their systems' behavior and watch for anomalies. The anomalies could be generated by system malfunctions or by malware such as viruses and worms. For instance, if a server is unusually quiet, it can be a very good indicator that the device is about to crash, according to Dominique Levin, vice president of product management and business development for LogLogic.

Companies can also use the log data automation and reporting capabilities provided by LogLogic to help them comply with best business practices and regulatory legislation including the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) rules governing U.S. public companies.

While many firms spent 2005 scrambling to comply with regulations like SOX, this year they're taking a look at how they can better automate and structure their systems to meet stated policies, Levin said. System and device alert triggers can indicate when a company is deviating from its stated security and other system policies.

LogLogic 3.0 appliance-based software integrates with EMC's Smarts Service Assurance Manager, formerly known as Smarts InCharge, according to Levin. EMC acquired System Management Arts Inc. (Smarts) for $260 million, closing the purchase in February 2005.

EMC's Smarts Service Assurance Manager brings together events and analysis from multiple sources and integrates with the Smarts Global Console or Business Dashboard to display the overall health of a user's network. LogLogic 3.0 forwards system alerts based on the information in the log data to the Smarts software and then integrates with the EMC console to display those alerts, according to Levin. Then, users can right click in Smarts to access the LogLogic archive to examine the raw log data to resolve the cause of the alert, Levin said.

The tie-up with EMC is a nonexclusive joint sales and marketing agreement, not an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) deal,