Google Analytics and the __utm.gif file

Question

When using Google Analytics and using the newer ga.js file, is the __utm.gif file needed in your root directory of your web site?

I do see a call being made from my

Answer 1

You are required to add _utm.gif to your server root if you are also sending a copy of the google analytics data to your local webserver. It gives you the option of keep the data much longer since Google is only keeping 25 months of data for free account. Google also doesn't share the raw data, the only way to get the raw data is also sending it to your local webserver log. For it to work, you need to add this line below to the tracking code:

_gaq.push(['_setLocalRemoteServerMode']);

For more detailed discussion, please refer to the book by Clifton, Brian (2012-03-30). Advanced Web Metrics with Google Analytics (Kindle Locations 4459-4460). John Wiley and Sons.