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Elastic Stack Installation Overview
Relativity uses components of the Elastic Stack to support Data Grid Audit and Environment Watch functionality. Depending on whether the Elastic Stack is being installed for the first time or an existing deployment is being upgraded, the required steps may differ.
This page provides a high-level overview of the Elastic Stack installation process and helps identify the correct installation path for the environment.
A Relativity Elastic Stack deployment includes Elasticsearch, Kibana, and APM Server (when applicable). The required Elastic Stack components (such as Kibana or APM Server) depend on environment configuration and system requirements. For details, see the Elastic Stack System Requirements.
If you are currently running Elasticsearch 7.x for Data Grid, upgrading or migrating that cluster is not required to use Environment Watch. Relativity supports the following deployment approaches:
- Approach 1: Upgrade the existing Data Grid Elasticsearch cluster to a supported version (8.x or 9.x) and upgrade the indexes to support both Data Grid and Environment Watch from a single cluster.
- Approach 2: Maintain the existing Data Grid Elasticsearch cluster on version 7.x and deploy a separate Elasticsearch cluster running a supported version (8.x or 9.x) for Environment Watch only.
Elasticsearch Version Compatibility
If you are running Data Grid Audit and Environment Watch on a shared Elasticsearch cluster, the Environment Watch compatibility requirements apply.
| Elasticsearch Version | Data Grid Audit | Environment Watch |
|---|---|---|
| 9.x | Yes | Yes |
| 8.x | Yes | Yes |
| 7.17.x | Yes (with caveats)* | No |
Notes:
Server 2025 is compatible with Elasticsearch 8.x and 9.x. The following versions are officially certified for both Data Grid Audit and Environment Watch:
- 8.19.8
- 9.1.3
While we are not aware of any issues running Elasticsearch 7.17 with Data Grid Audit, this version has not been tested or certified by Relativity for Server 2025. Elasticsearch 7.17 has also reached end of vendor support as of January 15, 2026. To ensure ongoing stability, compatibility, and supportability, Relativity strongly recommends upgrading to a currently supported Elasticsearch version
Installing Elastic Stack
This scenario applies when deploying Elastic Stack for the first time in a Relativity environment. The installation process includes the following high-level steps:
- Install Elasticsearch, Kibana (if applicable), and APM Server (if applicable) as described in the Elastic Stack installation topics
- Set up Data Grid Audit or Environment Watch using the Relativity CLI.
Upgrading Elastic Stack
This scenario applies when upgrading or migrating an existing Elastic Stack deployment to a supported version. The upgrade process includes the following high-level steps:
- Upgrade or migrate Elasticsearch to a supported version
- Set up Data Grid Audit or Environment Watch using the Relativity CLI.
- Complete the one-time migration from a Platinum license to a Basic license, if applicable.
System Requirements and Pre-installation Planning
Before installing or upgrading Elastic Stack components, review the Elastic Stack System Requirements to verify that the environment meets all prerequisites.
Troubleshooting
Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide if you encounter any issues.
