AWS CloudTrail vs Splunk Cloud: What are the differences?

Key Differences between AWS CloudTrail and Splunk Cloud

AWS CloudTrail and Splunk Cloud are both widely used platforms for log management and analysis, but they differ in several key aspects. The following are the key differences between AWS CloudTrail and Splunk Cloud.

1. Data Sources:

   • AWS CloudTrail primarily collects and logs data related to API activity within the AWS platform. It captures events like user logins, service events, and resource changes.
   • Splunk Cloud, on the other hand, is a comprehensive log management and analysis platform that can collect data from a wide range of sources, including AWS CloudTrail, security appliances, application logs, and many others. It enables organizations to centralize their logs from multiple systems.

2. Deployment and Management:

   • AWS CloudTrail is a fully managed service by Amazon Web Services (AWS), meaning that the infrastructure and management responsibilities are handled by AWS. Users only need to enable and configure CloudTrail through the AWS Management Console.
   • Splunk Cloud, on the other hand, requires users to deploy and manage their own instance of Splunk Cloud. This involves setting up the infrastructure, configuring the environment, and managing the platform's ongoing operations.

3. Scalability and Elasticity:

   • AWS CloudTrail scales automatically based on the demand of API activity. It can handle high volumes of events and data without requiring users to provision additional resources.
   • Splunk Cloud provides scalability and elasticity by allowing users to dynamically add resources to their deployment as needed. Users can allocate additional resources to handle increased log ingestion and analysis requirements.

4. Pricing Model:

   • AWS CloudTrail pricing is based on the volume of API events captured and stored, as well as additional charges for data transfer and storage. Users only pay for the resources they consume.
   • Splunk Cloud pricing is based on the volume of data ingested and stored within the platform. The pricing model includes both the data ingestion and storage costs, with different tiers available based on the amount of data being processed.

5. Out-of-the-Box Functionality:

   • AWS CloudTrail provides built-in integration with other AWS services and features, such as AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and AWS CloudWatch. It offers native integration and the ability to trigger actions based on events.
   • Splunk Cloud offers extensive out-of-the-box functionality for log analysis, including pre-built dashboards, visualizations, and search capabilities. It provides a wide range of features and tools that cater to different use cases and log analysis requirements.

6. Customizability and Extensibility:

   • AWS CloudTrail allows users to customize the retention period for their log data and configure notifications for specific events. However, customization options are limited compared to Splunk Cloud.
   • Splunk Cloud offers extensive customization capabilities, including the ability to create custom dashboards, alerts, reports, and data visualizations. It also supports the development of custom applications and integrations through its rich ecosystem of apps and plugins.

In summary, AWS CloudTrail is primarily focused on logging AWS API activity, while Splunk Cloud provides a more comprehensive log management and analysis platform that can collect data from various sources. AWS CloudTrail is fully managed by AWS, while Splunk Cloud requires users to deploy and manage their own instance. AWS CloudTrail has a more limited customization scope compared to the extensive customization options offered by Splunk Cloud.