Architecture

Understand Instana's architecture.

Instana uses a single-agent architecture, which reduces server latency and achieves 1-second data collection.

The Instana backend is available as a SaaS solution with the option of data retention in the cloud, or as a self-hosted (on-premises) solution. The backend collects three types of monitoring data:

• Beacons - Generated in users' web browsers
• Traces - Generated at the code level from monitored services
• Metrics - Time-series data that is generated at the infrastructure level

All data is streamed in real time to the Instana backend for analysis before it is sent to the data stores for long-term retention. The Instana agent runs outside of the application processes and handles all communications with the Instana backend.

The Instana web interface or the Instana REST API manages access to the information that is stored in the Instana backend.

Parallel processors stream and process data in real time, providing immediate visibility into application changes such as code deployments or resource scaling. The processors work continuously and fully process collected data within seconds.