Migrating to Splunk Cloud introduces many advantages, but it also brings changes to how external systems interact with your Splunk environment. One critical component to evaluate during this transition is Splunk DB Connect—a powerful app that enables Splunk to work with relational databases.
There are limitations and considerations related to DB Connect when moving to Splunk Cloud. Whether you’re relying on it for real-time database queries or regularly ingesting data into Splunk, it’s important to understand what changes and what your options are.
Understanding Splunk DB Connect
Splunk DB Connect is a powerful tool that enables Splunk to integrate with a wide range of relational database systems, such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and others. It allows users to import data directly from these databases into Splunk Enterprise for indexing, or to query them in real time using JDBC connections. The app provides the dbxquery command, which executes SQL statements and stored procedures, making it easier to retrieve and manipulate database data within Splunk.
Configuring DB Connect in Splunk Enterprise
Setting up DB Connect in Splunk Enterprise involves installing the app, configuring a Java environment, providing the appropriate JDBC driver, and connecting to the target relational database. The setup is typically done on a heavy forwarder or a search head. It allows Splunk to query data sources and either ingest that data into Splunk or access it in real time, depending on the use case.
Challenges with Splunk Cloud
Migrating to Splunk Cloud introduces significant limitations when it comes to using DB Connect, particularly the dbxquery command. The core issue lies in the inability of Splunk Cloud to establish direct connections with on-premises databases.
In most enterprise environments, relational databases are intentionally isolated from the public internet for security reasons. Firewalls and internal policies prevent unsolicited inbound connections, which is a best practice for protecting sensitive data.
Meanwhile, Splunk Cloud operates as a managed SaaS platform. Customers cannot install custom drivers or configure outbound firewall rules within the cloud environment. This makes it impossible to set up and maintain the secure, persistent connections that DB Connect requires for dbxquery to function.
As a result, the dbxquery command is explicitly unsupported in Splunk Cloud. Even if it were technically enabled, the necessary network configurations would not be possible in a secure and compliant manner.
Recommended Approach for Splunk Cloud
Organizations migrating to Splunk Cloud have two main options for continuing to work with data stored in relational databases. The best path depends on whether you need to index the data or just search for it.
Using Heavy Forwarder
For most migrations, the common and supported approach is to use a Heavy Forwarder. In this architecture:
- Install DB Connect on an on-premises Splunk Enterprise heavy forwarder with access to your relational database systems.
- Ingest the Data using scheduled inputs (like rising column or batch mode) to forward events to Splunk Cloud for indexing and long-term use.
This allows you to remain compliant with security policies while bringing database content into Splunk Cloud.
Configuring Federated Search
However, if your organization maintains an on-premises Splunk Enterprise search head and wants to avoid indexing the data into Cloud, consider configuring Federated Search. In this alternative:
- The on-premises search head runs DB Connect and queries relational database data in real time using dbxquery, without indexing it.
- Splunk Cloud is configured to use Federated Search to query the on-prem search head.
- No need to re-ingest data into Splunk Cloud, saving license volume and preserving existing controls.
This hybrid model provides flexibility for advanced use cases and helps ease the migration process without losing access to critical on-prem data sources.
Conclusion
Key Takeaway:
- DB Connect is essential for integrating relational database data into Splunk.
- Direct DB Connect usage in Splunk Cloud is limited due to security and feature constraints.
- Using a heavy forwarder is the recommended method to bridge the gap between on-premises databases and Splunk Cloud.
- Federated Search is a viable option when an on-premises search head is available, allowing real-time access to relational database data without re-indexing it into Splunk Cloud.
By understanding these considerations, you can ensure a smoother transition to Splunk Cloud while maintaining access to critical relational database data.
To access more Splunk searches, check out Atlas Search Library, which is part of the Atlas Platform. Specifically, Atlas Search Library offers a curated list of optimized searches. These searches empower Splunk users without requiring SPL knowledge. Furthermore, you can create, customize, and maintain your own search library. By doing so, you ensure your users get the most from using Splunk.
