Abstract: A system and method for effectively retrieving and managing network data from thousands of network elements by providing a graphical user interface to a network management system that permits shared access by service provider personnel using diverse computer equipment distributed over a wide geographical region. User requests to the network management system are input via any one of a plurality of workstations that are coupled with a company-wide Intranet system. Additionally, users can view predefined performance reports via a web browser program running on any one of the plurality of workstations coupled with the company-wide Intranet. Users can submit batch or on-line requests. Batch requests are scheduled to be processed at a later time and on-line requests are processed immediately. Results from on-line requests are available to the user as soon as the request has been processed.