A relational model for distributed systems monitoring using flexible agents

Monitoring of distributed systems for management purposes is a complex task aggravated by heterogeneity and distribution of resources and tools. This paper presents a method for monitoring distributed systems by applying concepts from the field of relational databases. The user may request information from the entire network by means of simple relational queries which are automatically optimized and implemented with flexible agents. This approach solves a large class of problems, adapts well to changes in the network, is not dependent on a central site and presents a usable example of flexible agent technology. The approach is illustrated by means of examples in service and systems management.