Pulling Apache access logs on Windows server

[remy06]

Hi,

I have a windows 2003 server with apache installed. I will like to monitor its access logs on my splunk server running on linux.

I'm thinking if it is possible to install splunk on the windows server and configure it to monitor only the access log file, then forwards the log events to my splunk server?

Or is there any other better methods to do it?

Thanks.

[ftk · Accepted solution]

I think you got the right idea.

I would use a forwarder for this scenario. Specifically, this is what I would do:

1. Enable your main Splunk indexer to receive data from forwarders: http://www.splunk.com/base/Documentation/latest/Admin/Enableforwardingandreceiving#Set_up_receiving
2. Install splunk on the windows server
3. Enable the windows splunk instance as a lightweight forwarder: http://www.splunk.com/base/Documentation/latest/Admin/Enableforwardingandreceiving#Set_up_light_forw...
4. Configure an input for the apache logs on the windows instance: http://www.splunk.com/base/Documentation/latest/Admin/Monitorfilesanddirectories#Define_input_stanza...
5. ???
6. Profit!

After configuring a lightweight forwarder, you will no longer be able to configure it via the web interface. Depending on how comfortable you are with working with config files that may not be a problem. If config files are daunting to you, I suggest setting the box up as a regular forwarder, which leaves the web interface enabled, configuring it via the web interface, and then converting it to lightweight forwarder.

You can find more details about lightweight forwarders here: http://www.splunk.com/base/Documentation/latest/Admin/Moreaboutforwarders