In the ever-changing world of IT networks, observability has become crucial to ensure computer networks run safely and efficiently. The ability to understand and monitor the internal states of a system in real time has become essential in areas as wide-ranging as software development and system management. The term “observability” first appeared in Rudolf Kalman’s control theory and refers to the ability to measure the internal states of a system by examining its outputs. When applied to software systems, it refers to the ability to measure the internal states of an application through its telemetry.

What is observability in IT networks?

In the field of IT networks, observability refers to the ability to understand, analyze and manage the internal state of computer systems through the study and collection of relevant data (e.g. event logs, performance metrics, activity tracing, network flows, etc.). Observability’s final goal is to provide a full and accurate real-time picture of how the systems work so that network administrators and IT engineers can proactively identify and solve problems, optimize performance, and improve operating efficiency.

What do I need to gain observability?

Rich and diverse data sources are key to get a full picture of what is going on. To do so, collecting the following three types of data is essential:

Event logs: Event logs are detailed registers of the activities and events that take place in computer systems. These logs can include information on errors, warnings, security, changes in configuration and other relevant items. Event logs are an important source of information when identifying and detecting problems, since they provide a complete list of the activities that took place in the system.

Activity traces: Activity traces are detailed registers of the interactions and transactions that take place in distributed systems. These traces contain information on user requests, services involved, response times, errors, and other data related to application workflows. Activity traces are essential to understand how distributed applications work and measure their performance, as well as to identify bottlenecks and network infrastructure failures.

Infrastructure telemetry data: This provides information on the state and configuration of network devices, servers, storage units, and other components of the IT infrastructure. The data covers the condition of hardware, availability of services, state of disks, and other aspects related to the physical and virtual architecture. Infrastructure telemetry data are essential to monitor and upkeep the sound health and performance of network infrastructures.

How can observability help me manage my IT networks?

Observability is key in IT networks for several reasons:

Proactive problem detection: Observability allows network administrators to detect and identify potential problems before they can significantly affect end users. Constantly monitoring the state of systems makes it possible to spot anomalies, negative trends and potential points of failure. This helps adopt corrective measures before they become serious problems.

Quick troubleshooting: When network problems occur, observability provides detailed information that helps identify and solve them more quickly. Event logs, performance metrics and other data sources allow IT engineers to find the root of the problem and take corrective actions (thus minimizing  downtime and its impact on the business).

Performance optimization: Observability is not only useful when detecting and solving problems, but can also be used to continuously improve performance. By analyzing the data collected, network administrators can identify areas for improvement, bottlenecks, and change system settings to make a better use of resources and guarantee optimal performance at all times.

Better user experience: High observability levels on an IT network translates into a better end user experience. By solving problems before they affect users, companies guarantee constant access to network resources and services. This results in higher user satisfaction levels and better corporate image.

Conclusion

In brief, observability is key when managing IT networks in the digital era. It allows network administrators and IT engineers to understand and control the internal state of computer systems, as well as to detect problems, optimize performance, and improve user experience. Implementing observability in an efficient manner gives companies the chance to ensure their networks are more efficient, safe and resilient (thus contributing to long-term success in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market).

Teldat is aware of how important networks are for clients. This is why the be.Safe XDR solution is rooted in the notion of observability, allowing experts to understand what is happening and to make decisions based on facts and not on assumptions.