monitoring directories - once indexed, do I need to keep original source data?

[rgonzale6]

If I'm simply monitoring a directory and I'm not tailing it, do I need to keep the contents of the directory after it's been indexed? I have no forensic need for the source data.

I've done some small scale testing with this by creating a test file in a monitoring directory, getting it indexed, and then deleting it, and it still shows up in splunk in the relevant index which would seem to me to indicate you do not need to keep the source data.

[hulahoop · Accepted solution]

You are correct--the original data source can be removed after indexing. Splunk no longer requires it as a separate copy is now stored in the Splunk datastore. Having said that, you should ensure the appropriate protections are taken to protect and preserve the data in Spllunk should there be any software/hardware failures.

[rgonzale6]

Thanks! Much appreciated.