What is the term for the process of compiling logs from various sources for easier analysis?

The correct answer is log aggregation. This term specifically refers to the process of collecting and compiling log data from multiple sources into a centralized location. This consolidation allows for easier analysis, monitoring, and troubleshooting of issues that may arise in a cloud environment or IT infrastructure.

Log aggregation ensures that data is systematically organized, enabling teams to identify patterns or anomalies more efficiently. Tools and services designed for log aggregation often produce a single view where logs from different systems can be analyzed together, leading to insights that wouldn't be apparent when logs are evaluated in isolation.

Log management, while closely related, generally encompasses the broader discipline of handling logs, which includes not just aggregation, but also retention, archiving, and compliance aspects. Event correlation refers to the process of linking related events from logs to identify larger trends or incidents, while data collection is a more general term that applies to gathering any type of data, not specifically related to logs.