Overview
The Data Collector is a Java application responsible for interfacing with enterprise objects and gathering information from backup servers, storage arrays, cloud assets, Compute and SAN Fabric.
The Data Collector continuously collects data and sends this data, using an http or https connection, to another Java application, the Data Receiver. The Data Receiver runs on the IT Analytics Portal server and stores the data that it receives in the Reporting Database.
When you use the Portal to generate a report, the Portal requests this information from the Reporting Database, then returns the results in one of the many available reports. In addition to NetBackup, IT Analytics can collect data from Veritas Backup Exec, NetBackup Appliances and Flex, third-party Data Protection vendors, Storage Arrays, SAN Fabric, and Cloud assets.
The Data Collector obtains all its monitoring rules from a Data Collector configuration file. This file resides in the Reporting Database in XML format. When the Data Collector first starts, it downloads this file from the Reporting Database. The Data Collector uses this file to determine the list of enterprise objects that are to be monitored and included in its data collection process. You must align the scope of data collection with your data collection needs.
For example, if just collecting data from NetBackup, you may opt to use the distributed Data Collector, which is installed by default on NetBackup Primary Servers. A distributed Data Collector only collects data from NetBackup.
A centralized Data Collector can be used to collect data from all backup products. You can also include other enterprise objects, such as storage arrays, SAN switches, Compute and Cloud assets for a centralized Data Collector.
If you collect data from Veritas Backup Exec, third-party data protection vendors, storage arrays, SAN switches, and cloud assets, then choose a centralized Data Collector that is installed on a remote Linux or Windows Server. Please note that there can be situations where you would also use a centralized Data Collector to collect from NetBackup.