Log Analysis

Andromedia, Inc.

Guide to Log Analysis

Learn more about your website through log file analysis and reporting
By A.S. White

As you work through your log analysis, it's important to know what's important and what's garbage. Because log analysis software is designed to optimize universal log file analysis, they make report formation much less of a chore. You can find out if your ads are working, if there's a security issue you need to handle or if your pages are working well for your business.

When looking for a universal log analysis tool, consider these points:

1. The speed at which the web log analysis software works;

2. The ability of the universal log file analyzer to handle the traffic of your site;

3. The capability to customize the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of your web log analysis tool.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a server log analysis tool that will handle your files with speed and agility When it comes time to compile your reports, the last thing you want to do is wait. And wait. And then wait some more. Instead, choose a tool that will move quickly and not unnecessarily overload your servers. That way, you can run it when you need to do the report, not when it needs to be run.

I recommend:  FastStats Log Analyzer is a tool that processes at a swift 1,011MB/min.

Find a tool for log file analysis and reporting that won't die when your traffic jumps It's usually a great day when you have a traffic spike on your site. It means that you're doing something right and people want to see what that is. But the worst thing would be for your Microsoft log file analyzer to either stop functioning or, even worse, kill your server and all that glorious traffic. That's why it's imperative that the tool you choose is flexible and powerful enough to handle your biggest spikes.

I recommend:  With a variety of available packages, Sawmill Universal Log File Analysis and Reporting has a package that will fit your site, no matter how large or small the amount of your traffic is.

Customize the GUI on your web log analysis tool The entire point in choosing universal log file analysis tool is to make your job easier. If you have to search for the items you use and need, though, it's not as easy as it should be. Instead, make sure that the log analysis software vendors have included the ability for you to bring what you need to the forefront every time.

I recommend:  Google Analytics offers you the ability to create custom dashboards so you can measure any number of website statistics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Set up alerts on your web log analysis software that email you when things aren't going as planned. This will help you to fix the problem while it's still a minor issue instead of a major crisis.