The number of hackers targeting major online corporations skyrocketed during the 2020 pandemic. Changes in 2023 have not been any less dramatic.
John Wilson of Agari's Threat Research cites the conflict in Ukraine, growing worldwide poverty, and global “food insecurity” as “major contributors” to this problem.
Network management and monitoring tools are applications that may gather and distribute information about a network and its nodes to other hosted IT infrastructures.
Syslog (System Logging) tools are an essential part of every competent network administrator's toolset for network monitoring. From PCs to printers, every single one of them sends out syslog messages every single minute. Network managers have relied on these notifications for years to keep tabs on the health of the underlying IT infrastructure supporting large-scale businesses.
Although these occurrences are usually harmless, they may sometimes reveal critical flaws in an organisation's IT infrastructure. Syslog servers collect the data from these devices and store it centrally so that network administrators may easily analyse it. We explain what a Syslog server is and provide a comprehensive list of Syslog servers that work with both Windows and Linux.
Table of Contents:
- Best Syslog Server Tools for Windows & Linux Compared
- 🛰️ 1. SolarWinds Kiwi Syslog Server
- 🛰️ 2. SolarWinds Loggly
- 🛰️ 3. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
- 🛰️ 4. ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer
- 🛰️ 5. FirstWave opEvents
- 🛰️ 6. Splunk Light
- 🛰️ 7. Visual Syslog Server
- 🛰️ 8. MikroTik The Dude
- 🛰️ 9. Rsyslog
- 🛰️ 10. 3CDaemon
- 🛰️ 11. Icinga 2
- 🛰️ 12. NXLog
- 🛰️ 13. WhatsUp Gold
- 🛰️ 14. TFTPD32/64
- 🛰️ 15. Fastvue
- 🛰️ 16. Nagios
- 🛰️ 17. Syslog NG
- Buying Guide
- Common Questions
- Conclusion
The UK’s 10 Best Syslog Server Tools for Windows & Linux (Free & Paid) Compared ☁️ — Our 2023 Selection 💽
As was previously discussed, a syslog allows devices on your network to report events that are currently occurring through messages sent to a syslog server.
This log serves as a record of current events throughout your IT infrastructure, and it enables you to monitor events across a wide variety of devices using a single interface on the secure cloud.
To put it simply, a syslog server collects and stores log messages from your IT equipment in one convenient area from which a network administrator may review them.
Linux, Unix, and MacOS all provide full support for syslog servers. Syslog may be supported on Windows through add-on programs as well. Most Syslog servers have the following essential features for the network's stability:
- The Syslog Listener collects and saves information from Syslog messages received on UDP port 514.
- The best Syslog servers have an internal database for storing syslog data and backing up.
- Reduce the time spent sorting through this mountain of data by using a filtering mechanism to sift through log messages.
First, we’ll look at a comprehensive list of Syslog servers that work with both Windows and Linux.
Let’s begin!
1. SolarWinds Kiwi Syslog Server -* 🛰️ *- review: Free edition
SolarWinds' Kiwi Syslog Server is widely recognized as one of the best network monitoring programs available today, working with regulatory guidelines.
Kiwi is a popular tool among system administrators for gathering Syslog messages and events from Linux, Windows, and Unix-based network gadgets. The UI is intuitive, and you can make beautiful charts to examine your network's data and draw meaningful conclusions.
If you are interested in automation, Kiwi is a fantastic option as well. You may set up alerts to be sent to your preferred email address and get updates on the status of your network, including notifications of hardware failures and other common malfunctions. The free demo version may be downloaded for 14 days.
First and foremost, why do we advocate for it?
Thanks to Kiwi Syslog Server Free Edition, you may acquire a normally expensive program at no cost. The Free Edition is a capable Syslog collector that can store and send Syslog messages as well as other log formats; however, the premium version has a few additional functions.
Syslog is the foundation for the Simple Network Management Protocol, hence Kiwi may also collect SNMP messages. “SNMP Trap” refers to a device-generated alarm message. When a management program queries a device, the agent merely responds with the device's state. The Trap deviates from this standard approach. This is why Traps are made to represent potentially dangerous scenarios. Included in the bundle is Kiwi Syslog Web Access, a Web interface that allows remote access to the Syslog server console through any modern web browser.
2. SolarWinds Loggly — Runner-Up Top Syslog Server Tools Windows & Linux (Free/Paid)
Loggly is a log consolidation service that may be accessed through a subscription model and hosted in the cloud that uses AES 128.
The service's management interface and processing are hosted on distant servers, but you will still need to install a log upload agent on your local machine to submit data at certain intervals.
The Loggly service will reinterpret each of your log files into a standard format once it has received them. One of the best features of the Loggly platform is the ability to analyse data from several sources. Tools for analysis are accessible through the console. The files may be exported to be read by other programs if desired.
You may monitor your network's activities using Loggly, and it can detect infiltration and unusual behaviour. Loggly can also assist you with other facets of administration, such as capacity planning and disaster recovery strategy creation.
Loggly's storage capacity is one of its most appealing features. In order to protect yourself against an aggressive hacker who would delete all traces of his actions from your system, you should keep regular offsite backups of your log files. Consequently, you should start looking for a Cloud storage service. If you sign up with Loggly, the process of storing your logs and making the data accessible for analysis will be a breeze.
The most basic version of Loggly, called Loggly Lite, is completely free. There are three premium options available to suit enterprises of varying sizes. There are three of them: Basic, Advanced, and Business. Loggly offers a free 14-day trial, and if you do not elect to pay, your account will automatically be converted to the free edition.
Due to its position in the cloud, Loggly is a great option for multi-site enterprises and hybrid systems that need to combine and store the logs from a variety of systems with proper privacy regulations.
3. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor — Popular Advanced Free/Paid Syslog Server Tool for Windows & Linux
For enterprise-level Syslog monitoring, PRTG Network Monitor is a solid option, but one with a little learning curve.
Installing the Network monitor and then the syslog server sensor allows you to begin searching for devices to monitor with PRTG.
When it comes to filtering, PRTG Syslog really shines. You have control over which messages are logged and whether or not they are marked as errors or warnings.
PRTG is a very effective tool, able to process an astounding 10,000 messages per second. It has more than enough strength to support a big stable of devices, however you are unlikely to achieve this level unless your equipment is continuously tuned.
In general, the UI is pretty straightforward. The cherry on top is that the first 100 sensors are included in the PRTG download at no cost. Free 30-day trials are available for download.
4. ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer — Top-Rated Syslog Server Tool for Windows & Linux (FREE TRIAL UK)
ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer is a state-of-the-art Syslog server utility and security information and event management solution.
Considering the recession This mid-tier network analytics product costs around £3,000 but delivers excellent value. Users in a cross-platform setting will find that its compatibility for both Windows and Linux is a huge plus.
The autodiscovery function of the system makes initial setup relatively easy. Since almost all networked devices adhere to the Syslog messaging standard, all the EventLog Analyzer has to do is monitor the network for Syslog-compliant transmissions from the connected devices.
The header of a communication specifies its source. Because of this, the Event Log Analyzer can compile a comprehensive inventory of all network gear and organise notifications and status reports based on their IP source.
The EventLog Analyzer stands out from the crowd since it allows you to create custom reports to track syslog event messages whenever you want. Because of this, troubleshooting is simplified. It is cross-platform in its ability to control network device events. Syslogs may be examined on several platforms, including Unix, Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, and IBM AIX.
You can get a free trial for 30 days to get started.
5. FirstWave opEvents — Competitive Syslog Server Tool
In addition to gathering Syslog data, the FirstWave opEvents collector can also gather Windows Events and app-specific log messages.
The opEvents service will collect and store all log messages in a single location by translating them into a standard format.
If you need to handle logs on a Linux machine, FirstWave opEvents is a solid choice. In addition to Syslog, this system can also gather and consolidate data in a variety of different forms. This makes it possible to sort and search the messages. Package logs will be written to files.
To make it easier to find specific log messages, the system rotates files, gives them meaningful names, and stores them in a well-organised directory tree. As messages are processed, the opEvents dashboard displays the pace at which they are arriving as well as their origins. Based on this data, performance expectation levels may be set. The system will sound an alarm if log messages suddenly cease coming in, or if they come in much more quickly or slowly than usual.
The data viewer is an additional feature of the dashboard. Log files may be imported for manual analysis queries including grouping, searching, and sorting. These queries may be saved and reused on different data sets.
Businesses of all sizes may benefit from using the FirstWave opEvents system. This package is ideal for small enterprises since it is cost-free and may be used in conjunction with the free network monitoring system.
6. Splunk Light — Flexible Syslog Server Tool (Free & Paid)
You can boost your value savings through Splunk Light’s great Syslog server option for supporting a leaner network architecture.
Splunk's ability to let users build their own dashboards from the ground up using database visualisations like the incident metre and the area map is a major selling point.
The powerful search feature also facilitates rapid navigation to relevant content. And that is not all: you can also set up user-defined alerts to notify you whenever a certain Syslog event occurs.
Splunk's flexibility means it can grow with your business if you add additional devices in the future. As many as five people may be assigned to keep an eye on your Syslogs. Splunk's perpetual licence costs around £5k and the yearly licence costs under half this for 1 GB per day. Splunk Light allows you to access up to 500MB of data every day without paying a dime.
7. Visual Syslog Server — Top Syslog Server for Windows & Linux (Free/Paid)
Visual Syslog Server is an attractive option for those in need of a Windows-based Syslog server.
The user may log syslog messages with the help of this open-source and free tool. The interface's dated appearance belies its modern simplicity and the ease with which you may traverse the data you have captured. The ability to configure log message thresholds that launch custom scripts is one of Visual Syslog server's most powerful capabilities.
The facility, host, source address, tag, message contents, and priority may all be used as filters in Visual Syslog server. You may also mark information that you want to remember. Visual Syslog Server is a free tool that delivers a robust set of functionality across cloud storage without compromising on ease of use or installation. For smaller businesses just getting started with Syslog management, this is a wonderful option.
8. MikroTik The Dude — Coolest-Named Syslog Server Tools for Windows & Linux Software
Even though The Dude is not as well-known as some of the other Syslog servers here, it nevertheless holds its own when monitoring databases.
This free Syslog server supports all major operating systems, including Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, and Linux.
If that were not enough, you may also use it to keep an eye on SNMP, DNS, ICMP, and TCP traffic. Adding more openness to your operations is as simple as drawing a network map.
The interface is really basic, yet it serves its purpose. You may navigate between several tabs, such as Syslog and Outages. If you want to see how your devices and what kind of service they use are doing, go no further than the Outages page. If you need a simple Syslog monitoring solution and do not mind using a free program, The Dude deserves serious attention.
9. Rsyslog — Free Syslog Server Tools for Windows & Linux
For both personal and business usage, Rsyslog is an excellent choice as a Linux Syslog server.
Log management is made easy using Rsyslog, an open-source application. CentOS and RHEL 7 are the most popular platforms for using Rsyslog. CentOS 7 users may skip downloading Rsyslog altogether.
Ryslog's key selling point is that it is a robust and flexible piece of software. Up to a million messages per second may be monitored, and it can import log data from almost any device.
Due to its incompatibility with Windows, Ryslog cannot be used in a truly cross-platform setting. However, if you are using Linux, you should really consider this app.
10. 3CDaemon — Solid Syslog Server Tool (Free & Paid)
Built specifically for Windows, 3CDaemon is a great free option for small and medium-sized businesses.
With 3CDaemon, you may filter data by IP address or file extension using the FAR tab (Find and Replace). Log data is also available in real time for the user.
In addition, you may export your log data in ASCII format. Unfortunately, the application's performance may suffer on newer versions of Windows; using an earlier version of Windows is recommended.
11. Icinga 2 — Solid Best Syslog Server Tool (Free & Paid)
Although Icinga 2 is better recognized as a replacement for Nagios in monitoring networks, it is also a highly capable, open-source Syslog server.
Icinga 2 provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring Syslog messages and may be installed on Linux. This system has a high degree of adaptability and ease of usage while upholding privacy.
By setting a threshold for the severity of Syslog notifications, the user may control the data collection. While all Syslog messages will be gathered, only those that meet a predetermined threshold of severity will be logged. You may choose among debug, notice, warning, information, and critical severity levels. You should really think about Icinga 2 if you need a platform with automatic alert settings.
12. NXLog — Top Syslog Server for Windows & Linux (Free/Paid)
Nxlog can handle Syslog data efficiently on both Windows and Linux.
Nxlog supports a wide range of protocols for gathering log files, including UDP, TCP, TLS, and SSL.
This system is so robust that it can record over 100k events each second. Users may get further help with CheckPoint SNMP and LEA events in NXLog's Communal version.
The capacity to remotely gather and manage Windows logs is another helpful feature. NXLog's flexible set of features makes it a formidable new contender on our list. Thankfully, the community version is free, but you will need to get in touch with NXLog to see how much the corporate edition costs.
13. WhatsUp Gold — Well-known Syslog Server for Windows & Linux (Free/Paid)
WhatsUp Gold is well-known among Syslog servers for one reason: it is consistently reliable.
Event logs from any device that can transmit syslog messages may be gathered by WhatsUp.
A whopping 6 million communications every hour may be tracked by WhatsUp (so ensure you have a good password manager). You may filter data by log type, date/time, IP address, and text content, so WhatsUp does not leave you to dig through the avalanche of data on your own.
Notifications may be sent directly to a user's inbox, a file, or the Windows event log. Log information may also be included into notifications. WhatsUp Gold is compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 and was developed specifically for the Windows platform. The cost of WhatsUp Gold is £2k. The demo is available for download.
14. TFTPD32/64 — Solid Best Syslog Server Tool (Free & Paid)
The Syslog collecting tool TFTPD32/64 is a part of the open-source Windows program with a catchy name.
DNS, DHCP, and SNTP servers may all send and receive events that include Syslog messaging. The network admin can read all of your event messaging in files.
TFTPD does not provide much more capability than it already offers. The simple interface gets the job done, but if sophisticated reporting is a must, you may want to seek elsewhere. You could certainly do a lot worse than this free introduction to Syslog server administration tools.
15. Fastvue — Top Syslog Server for Windows & Linux (Free/Paid)
Fastvue provides a straightforward method of keeping tabs on your Syslog server, and it is compatible with Windows Server 2008 and later.
Fastvue is capable of capturing incoming Syslog messages to a file immediately. To do this, we provide separate log files for each reporting device (a method that is simple but not optimal for evaluating log data).
In terms of supplementary functions, you may produce reports on the size of your log files for more insight. Unfortunately, this is all the analysis that can be done at the moment. While this works well for archiving your Syslogs, if you need to do complex analysis, you may want to seek elsewhere or at least consider exporting your data to a third-party application.
16. Nagios — Underrated Syslog Server for Windows & Linux (Free/Paid
Nagios is the gold standard when it comes to monitoring systems based on Syslog.
This free, open-source program may collect event data from both Windows and Linux machines. Nagios for Linux and Windows is useful since it consolidates log messages into a single area. The free version allows you to do this daily, capped to 500 MB.
Nagios's many visualisation options are what set it apart as a Syslog server utility. The dashboard is adaptable to your needs, and you may export information to be used in charts, graphs, and histograms. Nagios is the best option for analysing your Syslogs if you are seeking for a solution. The going rate for a Nagios standard licence is a reasonable at around £1,500.
17. Syslog NG — Solid Best Syslog Server Tool (Free & Paid)
As a Ryslog alternative, Syslog NG is a well-liked open-source Syslog program that is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
Simply downloading Syslog NG using yum will have it ready for installation. Syslog is highly extensible, so it can serve businesses of all sizes. It can handle 650k messages each on its bandwidth.
Syslog NG was designed for heterogeneous IT settings running on a wide variety of OSes, hence it supports a wide range of OSes. Additionally, it may sort through these records based on criteria set by the user. An admin may handle thousands of devices from a single location using relay mode. Syslog NG is available at no cost since it is based on open source software.
Best Syslog Server Tool (UK Free and Paid) — Buying Guide
Let’s explore how to use and choose the best Syslog Server Tool for your small or large business!
How Do Syslog Server Tools Work?
The following are some of the ways in which a standard Syslog server might aid with your network management efforts:
- ✔️ Obtaining Syslog Data from a wide variety of devices.
- ✔️ Using cross-platform features to identify OS-agnostic messages.
- ✔️ Assemble all WAN-originated Syslog messages in one place.
- ✔️ Make a folder hierarchy that makes it easier to find past Syslog data.
- ✔️ Make all event logs use the same format.
- ✔️ Allow real-time viewing of texts.
- ✔️ Give us a way to look at data that has been stored in the past.
The plethora of Syslog servers accessible today indicates a thriving industry. As providers compete to provide the most advanced servers, even Syslog servers that are free have begun to include advanced administration tools. Keep an eye out for hidden features. These features are available on certain Syslog servers.
- Examine the distribution of Syslog warnings by kind of warning source and level of severity.
- Put up warnings in the interface and/or send out email messages.
- If an alarm circumstance occurs, take appropriate action.
- Combine alerts from several systems into one central location.
- Incorporate SNMP status reports into existing event log tracking.
- Add some visuals to the dashboard to help people understand the data.
Syslog servers may do anything from trapping messages basically, writing them to a file to act as an analysis and alerting tool for complex events, all inside a secured network.
- Related 📗: Best VPNs
Syslog Servers: Why Do I Need One?
Alongside scheduling and other essential business tools, a syslog server is a crucial piece of equipment for any large-scale network. These may collect data from scores of devices and store it in a centralised location, saving you the trouble of combing through Syslog messages on each one individually. You would have to manually go through each device if you did not have a syslog server.
A Syslog server's primary benefit is the time it saves administrators while managing networks. The Syslog server stores all the event notifications your network has created, so all you have to do is check it out. This not only improves your understanding of the situation, but also the efficacy of your network monitoring.
- Related 📗: Top Backup Tools (UK)
FAQs — Best Syslog Server Software Tools
Which syslog server should you use? ☁️
When deciding on a syslog server, it is important to keep in mind the following details:
- Scale of Business. As a result of device number and data volume limits, a paid syslog server is typically preferable for a big organisation. However, a free syslog application may offer all the features of a small organisation with few devices and little data needs.
- Support. If your company lacks an IT department or you just need assistance getting the program set up, a premium product will likely contain support and troubleshooting options. Some free tools have decent documentation but no 24/7 support and help desk.
- Storage. On-premises syslog servers provided as software suites are preferable for enterprises having their own storage capacity. There is less risk of a data breach and more protection with an on-premises solution. However, if you do not have your own storage, you may purchase a cloud-based syslog service instead of buying a standalone syslog tool.
How should I connect to my Syslog server? ☁️
Syslog servers vary in how they may be accessed based on the OS and the Syslog server that was installed. Syslog servers on Linux are often command line programs. You may be able to get a GUI Syslog server package if you are using a graphical distribution of Linux, like Ubuntu.
Windows-based Syslog servers often provide graphical user interfaces. It is possible that the installer put a shortcut on your Desktop in this situation. If you do not find anything there, try searching through the applications in the Start menu.
Conclusion
It’s the administrators' secret weapon…
Without the proper technology, keeping an eye on Syslog servers is a tedious process. The amount of effort spent manually keeping tabs on your network infrastructure may be cut in half if you invest in a good Syslog data monitoring program. You may streamline your log gathering process with the help of a Syslog monitoring solution.
Using a program like SolarWind's Icinga 2 and Kiwi will let you modify the interface to suit your preferences. These tools, such as the ability to customise alert settings and dashboards, will help you spend even less time keeping an eye on your Syslogs. The sooner a developing issue is recognized, the sooner it may be fixed.
A Syslog monitoring tool should be seriously considered as a foundational piece of software for any enterprise-level network's long-term success. You will not only have insight into network activity, but also be in a position to proactively protect against threats to network availability.
