Server Logs

With 2026 R1, the XProtect Log Server component has been deprecated.

The XProtect VMS server components generate log entries for system activity, events, and errors. These log entries are collected and sent using OpenTelemetry through the OpenTelemetry Protocol (OTLP).

By default, the system stores and manages logs using VictoriaLogs. You view and work with Server Logs directly in XProtect Management Client, without managing a separate log server or database.

Server Logs work the same way regardless of whether components are installed together or on separate servers.

OpenTelemetry and the OTLP protocol

OpenTelemetry is an open standard used for sending log data. You install the OpenTelemetry component together with your XProtect VMS system on the management server computer.

The XProtect components use OpenTelemetry to send log entries through the system. Logs are transmitted using the OpenTelemetry Protocol (OTLP), which defines a standard way to send log data.

Using OTLP makes Server Logs more flexible. In addition to the default setup with VictoriaLogs, you can connect the system to another monitoring or logging solution that supports OTLP, such as a third‑party monitoring system.

For a general overview of how OpenTelemetry handles logs as a telemetry signal, see OpenTelemetry Logging in the OpenTelemetry documentation: https://opentelemetry.io/docs/specs/otel/logs/.

The OpenTelemetry Collector service

Server Logs require a running OpenTelemetry Collector service. The XProtect server components send logs to the collector using the OpenTelemetry Protocol (OTLP), and the collector forwards logs to VictoriaLogs or to an external logging solution.

VictoriaLogs

VictoriaLogs is the default log storage used for Server Logs. Server Logs use the VictoriaLogs user interface to display the different types of logs directly in XProtect Management Client.

VictoriaLogs stores log data in its own dedicated database and manages how long logs are kept, based on retention settings. It replaces the earlier SQL Server –based log database and is used automatically as part of the Server Logs functionality.