LOGG Stack Name Pivot
Names are a funny thing. They start simple, born out of a need to describe something new, and then, over time, they grow layers—of meaning, history, and sometimes, complications. When first conceived, the name LOGG was tied to the systems I had been crafting in my home lab. It started as a shorthand for Linux OpenSearch Grafana Go, a nod to the core components I was using. Later, as the stack evolved, I pivoted the name to Logstash OpenSearch Grafana Go, reflecting the addition of a more powerful data pipeline. But now, after careful thought, I’m taking it back to its roots with one small but important change: Linux OpenSearch Go Gateway.
This isn’t a change for change’s sake. It’s a refinement—a clarification of what this system is and what it stands for. Let me explain.
The Original Vision: LOGG as a Living System
When I started this project, the name LOGG fit like a well-worn jacket. It represented a functional, open, and highly modular stack built on tools that felt both powerful and accessible. The components—Linux, OpenSearch, Grafana, and Go—were all central to my work, each playing a distinct role:
- Linux provided the foundation, the steady ground beneath everything else.
- OpenSearch served as the beating heart, storing and querying the metrics I collected.
- Grafana offered a window into the system, turning raw data into visual stories.
- Go became the hands-on tool, crafting lightweight pollers and scripts tailored to my needs.
At the time, this combination felt both complete and forward-looking. It was open-source, it was efficient, and it was mine.
The Pivot to Logstash
As the project grew, I incorporated Logstash to manage data pipelines, transforming and routing metrics to OpenSearch with precision. The shift felt natural—Logstash added a new layer of power and flexibility to the system. So, LOGG adapted, becoming Logstash OpenSearch Grafana Go. For a while, the name reflected the full scope of the stack.
But then something started to gnaw at me. The more I worked on this project, the more I realized that the tools I used—valuable as they are—weren’t the real heart of the system. The heart was the vision: a lean, efficient, and open analytics platform. A system I built, understood, and controlled. That’s when the name began to feel a little crowded.
Why the Pivot Back?
The decision to redefine LOGG as Linux OpenSearch Go Gateway is about clarity and focus. Here’s why:
- Stripping Away Commercial Concerns:
- While I’ll continue to use Grafana and Logstash in my stack, tying their names directly to the system felt limiting. Both tools are becoming increasingly commercialized, and while I respect what they offer, I don’t want the name of my system to hinge on them—or any third-party brand.
- “Linux OpenSearch Go Gateway” emphasizes open, non-commercialized core technologies. It’s free from future entanglements or changes in corporate direction.
- Refocusing on the Core:
- At its heart, this system is about Linux as the foundation, OpenSearch as the data engine, and Go as the creative glue holding it together. The addition of “Gateway” captures the idea of connecting systems, metrics, and insights.
- The name is leaner and more aligned with the values of the project.
- Preserving the Tools:
- Make no mistake: Logstash and Grafana remain essential tools in my toolbox. They aren’t going anywhere. But the name shift acknowledges that these tools, while important, aren’t what defines the system.
The Direction Remains the Same
This change is about refinement, not reinvention. The direction of the project remains exactly as it was: an open-source analytics platform designed to showcase data in real-time, built from scratch with a focus on simplicity, performance, and control. Here’s what won’t change:
- Logstash will still handle data pipelines where needed.
- Grafana will continue to provide visualizations until I roll out my custom dashboard tools built with Chart.js, D3.js, and Three.js.
- The stack will still collect, store, and visualize metrics from my home lab, my WireGuard-connected Linode VM, and beyond.
What will change is how the system is presented to the world. LOGG now stands as Linux OpenSearch Go Gateway—a name that captures its open, foundational, and modular spirit.
What This Means Moving Forward
With the name settled, the real work begins. Over the next couple weeks, I’ll continue building the living portfolio that will bring LOGG to life. Visitors will be able to explore:
- Real-time metrics collected from my entire lab and external systems.
- Interactive visualizations that explain not just what the data shows, but how the system works behind the scenes.
- The evolution of the LOGG stack itself, from its humble beginnings to its current state.
This pivot may seem small, but it reflects a big idea: that the tools I use are secondary to the principles I build on. By focusing the name on the open-source, foundational aspects of the system, I’m making a statement about what matters most.
And trust me, this is just the beginning. You ain’t seen nothing yet.
--Just Getting Started
-Bryan