An observability backend within a complete platform
An observability backend receives, stores and queries telemetry so your team can investigate what happened. xScaler combines that managed backend with collection, exploration and alerts across applications, infrastructure and AI, plus central management for telemetry collector fleets.
What does an observability backend do?
Collectors move telemetry from your workloads; the backend makes it available for investigation. Metrics describe changes over time, logs record events, and traces follow work across services. Evaluate ingestion compatibility, retention, query behaviour and access requirements for all three signals, not just whether an endpoint accepts data.
- Send a representative workload through your Prometheus-compatible or OpenTelemetry collection path
- Check expected data, timestamps and service context in queries and dashboards
- Test alert delivery and collector health before expanding coverage
Compare costs for the same workload
Telemetry volume, retention and query needs affect observability costs. Use the same requirements when comparing xScaler with your current setup, and include the work involved in running the service.
Collect, investigate and act in one platform
Use xScaler to collect telemetry, investigate applications, infrastructure and AI workloads, and set alerts for the conditions your team needs to know about. Manage telemetry collector fleets centrally, with storage and query operations handled by xScaler.
- Collect telemetry through Prometheus-compatible and OpenTelemetry workflows
- Store and query metrics, logs and traces
- Use Insights to explore telemetry, build dashboards and create alerts
- Manage telemetry collector fleets and connect your own Grafana dashboards
Choosing how to run observability
| Option | Best fit | What to assess |
|---|---|---|
| xScaler Labs | Teams seeking cost-effective observability across applications, infrastructure and AI | Cost for your workload, supported integrations and the workflows your team needs |
| Self-hosted observability | Teams that need direct control over configuration and operations | Infrastructure costs, engineering time and on-call ownership |
| General APM suite | Teams evaluating a vendor's monitoring and application performance tools | Required features, telemetry pricing and integration with existing tools |
Common use cases
Keep Grafana dashboards while comparing observability costs for the same workload.
Collect Prometheus remote write data in xScaler for exploration and alerting.
Collect OpenTelemetry data for application, infrastructure and AI observability, with exploration and alerts in xScaler.
FAQ
Is an observability backend the same as an observability platform?
No. The backend handles telemetry ingestion, storage and queries. A platform also brings together collection, investigation and notification workflows. xScaler includes those workflows, dashboards and central collector fleet management across applications, infrastructure and AI.
What does the xScaler observability platform cover?
xScaler covers collection, storage, exploration and notification across applications, infrastructure and AI. It includes dashboards, alerts and central management for telemetry collector agents and fleets.
Do I need to replace Grafana?
No. xScaler supports BYO Grafana, so you can connect your existing dashboards to xScaler. Insights provides exploration, dashboards and alerting within the platform.
Can I keep Prometheus and OpenTelemetry?
Yes. xScaler supports Prometheus-compatible metrics and OpenTelemetry collection workflows. Start with one workload, then validate your queries, dashboards and alerts before expanding.
How is this different from running observability myself?
Your team uses xScaler for collection, exploration and alerts, with central management for telemetry collector fleets. xScaler operates the storage and query infrastructure. Compare the service cost with both infrastructure spending and the engineering time your current setup requires.
Compare the cost of your observability workload
Use the calculator to estimate your telemetry cost, or start free and evaluate xScaler with a workload you know.