Since the beginning of computer technology many methods for logging status, error and
debugging information were introduced. The range spans from simple printing of text
messages on the terminal to sophisticated logging systems using database backends on
distributed servers.
However due to different implementation approaches many of these systems use proprietary
protocols for transferring messages between the concerned systems. Especially in
heterogeneous systems this incompatibility leads to serious problems when a centralized
logging of all system information is desired.
This work introduces the basics of logging and log management and presents guidelines for
designing advanced system architectures, capable of managing and processing large amounts
of logged data. After analyzing existing logging implementations and discussing their
advantages and downsides, the system design of the “XMPP Log Management Framework", a novel
approach for log management will be presented and elaborated by a prototype implementation
of a Java based administrative logging console using an extended XMPP instant messaging
protocol for message transfer. Based on log4j and extending its highly modular
architecture, the framework is able to integrate with legacy systems as well as existing
system management environments while allowing standardized and secure configuration and
monitoring access through commonly used instant messengers.
Furthermore, possible future trends in the field of log management are outlined by
evaluating the benefits of using advanced event processing algorithms in log management
systems. Particularly the integration of logging into event-triggered architectures, in
order to provide an embedded logging solution for loosely coupled systems as well as the
importance of logging in systems administration will be discussed.
