Alert-Only Monitoring
Alert-Only Monitoring is a software monitoring approach where systems generate alerts only when predefined thresholds or conditions are breached, without continuously collecting or storing all operational data. It focuses on detecting and notifying about critical issues, such as performance degradation, errors, or failures, in real-time or near-real-time. This method prioritizes actionable notifications over comprehensive data logging, aiming to reduce noise and operational overhead.
Developers should use Alert-Only Monitoring in scenarios where resource constraints, cost efficiency, or simplicity are priorities, such as in small-scale applications, edge computing, or environments with limited storage. It is ideal for detecting immediate problems that require urgent intervention, like server downtime or security breaches, without the complexity of full observability setups. This approach helps teams focus on critical incidents rather than sifting through extensive logs, making it suitable for minimal viable monitoring in early-stage projects or low-budget operations.