Logging
Logs are essential for observability because they provide a detailed, timestamped record of events within a system. Logs help users to trace the flow of requests, pinpoint errors, and understand the system behavior over time.
Instana supports log consumption from various sources by using Tracer agents, Container sensors, and OpenTelemetry. Instana collects the logs, correlates them with metrics and traces to provide deeper insights.
License and entitlement requirements
To ingest logs into Instana, the licensing requirements depend on your deployment type.
SaaS licensing
For SaaS deployments, log ingestion for some data sources requires a logging add-on to your license. The logging add-on defines which log sources you can collect and how long that data is retained.
If you are not sure whether your license includes the logging add-on, contact your IBM account manager or sales representative. For more information, see the following table:
| Data sources | Add-on license needed? | Default retention period | Related topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trace logs | No | 7 Days | Application log messages |
| Container logs | Yes | Based on selected entitlement | |
| OpenTelemetry logs | Yes | Based on selected entitlement | Collecting logs with OpenTelemetry |
On-premises licensing
For on-premises deployments, log ingestion is included in your standard Instana license. No additional add-on is required. First, ensure that you enable logging in your environment. For more information, see Enabling logging. Then, contact your sales administrator to enable full logging capabilities at no additional cost.
You can change the log retention period at any time through the Instana settings. For more information about configuring or adjusting retention, see Modifying log retention period.
Access logging in the Instana UI
From the navigation menu in the Instana UI, click Logs.
