> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/configure-cortex-xsiam/cortex-xsiam-data-sources/standard-data-sources.md). # Standard data sources Standard data sources are built-in ingestion mechanisms in Cortex XSIAM primarily focused on ingesting raw logs and security events. While Cortex XSIAM is introducing a unified **Connector** approach, many third-party services and file-based ingestions continue to use standard data sources for core security analysis and normalization. These data sources (also called data collectors) typically utilize direct API connections or file collection tools to bring telemetry into the platform. ### Configuration experience Standard data sources are configured using the Data Source Onboarder. Unlike the multi-capability connector wizard, the onboarder is focused on a specific stream of data, such as Okta logs or Amazon S3 files. #### Key Features * **Direct ingestion**: Connect directly to vendor APIs to fetch logs. * **Parsing and normalization**: Automatically maps incoming raw data to the Cortex Data Model (XDM). * **Streamlined Setup**: Focused exclusively on data collection without additional components like automation or posture management. ### When to use standard data sources In the current Vendor Catalog, you may see a choice between a connector and a standard data source for the same vendor. * **Existing tenants**: If a unified connector is not yet available for a specific integration in your account, use the standard data source. * **New tenants**: Always prioritize using the uniquely named connector for a vendor. Standard data sources should only be used if a connector does not yet exist for that specific vendor or if you only require a specific raw log stream not currently bundled in a connector. ### Configuration Standard data sources are configured by navigating to **Settings → Data Sources & Integrations → + Add New**. Select your desired vendor and look for the entry labeled as a data source or collector. The UI will launch the Data Source Onboarder to guide you through the setup steps. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/configure-cortex-xsiam/cortex-xsiam-data-sources/standard-data-sources.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.