Importing log files

Once you have access to your log data, you can import your logs into WebSpy Vantage and begin analyzing and reporting on the log data.

Before you begin, be aware that your WebSpy Vantage storage will consume disk space as it holds roughly 80% or the original log file data. Check that your storages are being created in a location with enough disk space to allow for this. You can change the location in Tools | Options | Paths | Storages.

To import your Log files into WebSpy Vantage:

  1. Open WebSpy Vantage and go to the Storages tab
  2. Click Import Logs to open the Import Wizard
  3. On the Storage page, create a new storage and call it anything meaningful to you. For example, name it after the log format or the device that you are importing logs from. Click Next.
  4. On the Input Type page, select how you would like to import data, such as from Local or Networked Files or Folders, FTP/SFT, Database or Windows Event Logs and click Next.
  5. On the Loader Selection page, select the format of your log files. We call the formats listed here Loaders. It is important to select the correct loader as it contains the logic to parse and understand your log format. Click Next.

  6. On the Input Selection page, Click Add. The options here vary depending on the Input Type selected in step 4.

    For example, if you selected Local or networked Files or Folders, then you’ll have the option to select a folder or file to import. If you selected Windows Event Logs, you’ll have the option to select the machines to import from etc. Once you have selected where your log files are located, click OK.

  7. At this stage, you can ignore the last three pages of the Import Wizard and click OK to begin the import process. See Advanced Importing Features for information on these last pages.

  8. Your log files will start importing into your WebSpy Vantage Storage, and you can use this storage for Analysis and Reporting from this point on. You can even delete the original log file data once it has been imported.

Now that you have created a storage that is pointing at your log data, it is a good idea to automate the process of importing new logs each night. To do this, see our topic on Automating Imports.