Monitoring an AIX Binary Log

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You can define a data source to monitor AIX® binary error logs through the errpt command. You can also configure it to filter and summarize the data. The resulting events are placed in a data set.

About this task

Log Monitoring supports the monitoring of AIX binary error logs through the errpt command. The errpt command generates an error report from entries in an error log. It includes flags for selecting errors that match specific criteria. This support for the monitoring of AIX binary error logs through the errpt command is modeled on the support for the same function in the Tivoli® Monitoring UNIX Logs Agent (product code kul or ul).

When you supply the Agent Builder with an errpt command string, it processes the events that result from running this command. Agent Builder enforces the same constraints on this command that the Monitoring Agent for UNIX Logs does. In particular, you must use the -c (concurrent mode) option so that the command runs continuously, and you cannot use the -t option or the following options that result in detailed output: -a, -A, or -g.

An Agent Builder agent that monitors the AIX errpt command automatically includes the same information as a Monitoring Agent for UNIX Logs does. For more information about the attribute groups for AIX binary error logs, see AIX Binary Log attribute group.

Procedure

  1. On the Agent Initial Data Source page or the Data Source Location page, click Logged data in the Monitoring Data Categories area.
  2. In the Data Sources area, click AIX Binary Log.
  3. Click Next.
  4. On the Binary Log Information page, enter an errpt command.
    The default value is: 
    errpt -c -smmddhhmmyy

    The agent searches for the 'mmddhhmmyy' string and replaces it with the actual date and time on startup. Only the first occurrence of the string is replaced.

    You can supply your own errpt command but Agent Builder enforces the same constraints on this command that the Monitoring Agent for UNIX Logs does. In particular, you must use the-c (concurrent mode) option so that the command runs continuously, and you cannot use the -t option or the following options that result in detailed output: -a, -A, or -g.

  5. (Optional) Click Advanced to select filtering and summarization options for events. For more information, see Controlling duplicate events.
  6. Do one of the following steps:
    • If you are using the Agent wizard, click Next.
    • Click Finish to save the data source and open the Agent Editor.