Syncsort Big Data with Ironstream Enhancements

Syncsort new capabilities in Ironstream, enables organizations to analyze IBM z Systems log data from WebSphere and from user applications in real-time using Splunk Enterprise. By opening up valuable, real time operational data from the mainframe and providing it to Splunk Enterprise, Splunk users can be more proactive and effective in monitoring and resolving application, security and network problems on the mainframe.

“Recent use cases reflect the mainframe’s evolving role as the critical linchpin for leading analytics platforms like Splunk Enterprise, to address enterprise-wide security risks and soaring compliance costs,” said Harvey Tessler, founder and general manager, mainframe at Syncsort. “A growing number of enterprises want to analyze mainframe operational data in real time with Splunk solutions. They are looking to use this analysis to support proactive data-driven decision making and to gain significant efficiencies in their IT operations to meet service level agreements (SLAs). Our new capabilities in Ironstream are central to achieving these critical Big Iron to Big Data goals.”

Ironstream now includes new ways to push additional mainframe data sources to Splunk solutions for more comprehensive application analysis:

The Ironstream API, which allows any user application to send data from any z/OS data source, including its own application log data to Splunk solutions. Unix System Services (USS) file delivery, including application logs, weblogs, application records, and user log data from custom mainframe applications. Resource Measurement Facility Monitor III (RMF III) data delivery, to Splunk Enterprise to provide real-time system resource and performance measurements.

Syncsort has now released a free Starter Edition for moving z/OS Syslog data into Splunk solutions. Unlike a typical technology trial, Syncsort allows organizations to use the Starter Edition to move the data without a time limit and run the applications in production at no charge. This includes access to the Ironstream applications available for download on Splunkbase.

The new enhancements add to Ironstream’s ability to forward the most important mainframe files into Splunk Enterprise, including SMF, Syslog, SyslogD, Log4J and SYSPRINT logs and data collected by Syncsort’s Zen z/OS suite to provide IBMz network and security data and alerts.

With its steady delivery of enhancements to handle emerging use cases, Ironstream is an essential part of Syncsort’s Big Iron to Big Data strategy and continued focus on joining with industry leaders like Splunk to provide enterprises with simple and cost-effective ways to facilitate valuable business insights.