Google Cloud Observability: OTel Migration Guide (2026)

Google Cloud Observability: Your OpenTelemetry Migration Guide

Navigating Google Cloud Observability used to involve a maze of endpoints and formats. Google is streamlining this with a unified OpenTelemetry (OTel) ingestion endpoint: telemetry.googleapis.com. The key date to remember is March 4, 2026. Here’s what you need to know.

March 4, 2026 Migration Deadline

Understanding OpenTelemetry (OTel)

OpenTelemetry is a game-changer for observability. It provides a single, standardized way to collect logs, traces, and metrics from your applications and infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate tools and formats, simplifying your observability setup.

Logs

Text records of application events.

Traces

Visual representations of request paths through your system.

Metrics

Numerical measurements of performance and resource usage.

OTel and Google Cloud Observability

Google Cloud Observability (formerly Stackdriver) includes Cloud Logging, Cloud Trace, and Cloud Monitoring. The shift to telemetry.googleapis.com allows you to ingest all observability data via the OpenTelemetry Protocol (OTLP) through one unified endpoint.

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Simplified Data Ingestion

Use OTel's standard libraries and collectors for portable applications, especially in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.

Who Does This Migration Impact?

The impact depends on your current data ingestion methods:

Google Cloud Console/`gcloud` CLI

Likely "no action required," but verify.

Google Cloud APIs

Update code to use telemetry.googleapis.com and OTLP.

Older Stackdriver APIs

Migration is essential; old APIs are being phased out.

Watch Out: For larger enterprises with complex infrastructures, careful planning and coordination are essential for a seamless transition.

"No Action Required" - What It Really Means

"No action required" doesn't mean you can ignore the change. It means Google is handling the infrastructure updates. You should still:

Verify: Confirm data is still being sent.
Monitor: Keep an eye on dashboards and alerts.
Familiarize: Learn OpenTelemetry and OTLP.

Pro Tip: Start experimenting with OpenTelemetry now to modernize your observability practices.

Step-by-Step Migration Guide

Assess Your Current Setup

Identify how you currently send data to Google Cloud Observability.

Determine Your Impact

Based on your setup, determine if action is needed.

Update Your Code (If Necessary)

Use OpenTelemetry libraries and collectors to send data to telemetry.googleapis.com in OTLP format.

Test Your Changes

Thoroughly test in a staging environment before deploying to production.

Deploy Your Changes

Once confident, deploy your changes to production.

Monitor Your System

Closely monitor your system to ensure everything works as expected.

Verify Ingestion

Confirm logs, traces, and metrics are correctly ingested.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming "no action required" means complete inaction: Always verify and monitor.
Not testing changes in a staging environment: This can lead to unexpected issues in production.
Failing to update code to use OTLP: Using the old formats will result in data loss after the migration deadline.
Ignoring the migration deadline: Procrastinating can lead to a last-minute scramble and potential disruptions.
Not properly configuring the OpenTelemetry Collector: The collector is a crucial component for routing and processing telemetry data. Make sure it's configured correctly.

7 Steps to a successful migration

Key Takeaways

OpenTelemetry: A standard for collecting logs, traces, and metrics.
Unified Endpoint: Google Cloud Observability is moving to telemetry.googleapis.com.
Deadline: March 4, 2026.
Verify: Even with "no action required," verification is crucial.
Plan Ahead: Start your migration now.

Ready to talk through your Google Cloud Observability migration and performance? We offer Observability + Performance Audits to ensure a smooth transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't migrate by March 4, 2026?

Your applications may stop sending data to Google Cloud Observability, leading to gaps in monitoring and troubleshooting difficulties.

Is OpenTelemetry only for Google Cloud?

No, it's an open-source project for various observability backends, promoting vendor neutrality.

What is OTLP?

OpenTelemetry Protocol, the standard format for transmitting telemetry data.

Do I need to use the OpenTelemetry Collector?

Optional but recommended for centralized data collection, processing, and export.

What are the benefits of using OpenTelemetry?

Vendor neutrality, portability, standardization, scalability, and extensibility.

How do I configure the OpenTelemetry Collector?

Using a YAML file to define receivers, processors, and exporters.

What if I'm using a third-party monitoring tool?

Check its documentation for OpenTelemetry support; otherwise, use a bridge or adapter.

How does this affect our Dallas-based business?

Crucial for maintaining application observability and preventing downtime.

Where can I find more information about OpenTelemetry?

https://opentelemetry.io/

Will this change affect pricing for Google Cloud Observability?

The migration itself shouldn't, but optimizing data collection can control costs.

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