Definition
Machine data is any information digital devices, systems, and processes generate. In other words, every trace a digital action or process leaves like making a phone call, sending an email or accessing a website contributes to machine data.
Machine Data Use Cases
- System management and monitoring: Machine data can examine the health and performance of networks, apps, and systems.
- Security: It can be used to investigate cyberattacks, providing valuable insights into attack vectors and damages made.
- Business intelligence: Offers insights into operations and customer behavior, such as website interactions and purchase patterns.
Examples of Machine Data
- Web server logs: Every time you access a website, the web server records details like your IP address, the pages you visited, and the time of the visit.
- Call detail records: If you make a phone call, your telephone service provider will log information like the number involved, the duration, and the time of the call.
- Application logs: An active software application generates log files that capture software actions and errors or issues that may arise.
- Sensor data: Some devices, such as industrial machines and thermostats, have sensors that collect crucial data like speed, pressure, or temperature.