Abstract: A data collection system is provided for collecting data from objects in a computer network. A configuration manager reads a configuration file containing a type definition of an object associated with a stream definition for that object. The configuration file defines an object collector which is executed for collecting attribute data to create an instance of that object. The configuration file also defines a stream collector for collecting time series data from that object to instantiate the defined stream. A system, method and computer program product are described. The configuration file can alternatively or additionally include a collector definition for gathering data associated with an object in a network, with state transitions of said data being detected so that an action can be implemented based on the state transition. That action is defined in the configuration file.