What is observability?
Blog post from New Relic
Observability is a practice that enhances the understanding of a system’s performance by analyzing the data it generates, surpassing traditional monitoring by providing deeper insights into system behavior. It involves the use of observability platforms to collect, store, analyze, and visualize data, including metrics, events, logs, and traces (MELT), allowing engineers to make informed decisions that enhance system reliability and performance. Observability tools, which integrate open instrumentation and AI operations, empower teams to proactively resolve issues, optimize systems, and improve customer experiences while fostering innovation. The importance of observability in modern digital businesses is underscored by its ability to provide a real-time, interconnected view of operational data, making it crucial for managing the complexities of cloud-native microservices and distributed systems. According to the 2024 Observability Forecast, a significant number of organizations have reported improved system reliability and a substantial return on investment from their observability initiatives, highlighting its value in enhancing team efficiency and driving business growth.