Syslog

Syslog is a message logging standard for network devices (printers, routers, switches) It was developed by Eric Allman when he was creating SendMail. It separates out the generation, storage, and reporting of messages. The messages usually get stored on a server. It is a good practice for the server to stick the messages in a database.

Messages have a facility code and a severity label. The facility code indicates what type of program generated the message. Messages can also be broken down by tag plus content. There is no official formatting of the content. Messages are normally sent via UDP on port 514.

Syslog is less complicated than SNMP. There is no polling of devices in Syslog. Windows does not natively support Syslog. You can buy a commercial version for Windows such as Syslog Watcher which costs $249.