Abstract: A system and method are provided to monitor informational resources, such as websites. A plurality of host units support one or more informational resources accessible over a network, such as the Internet. A plurality of monitoring units located on a distributed computer system are coordinated to access the network and monitor the informational resources to determine if they are accessible and to evaluate their performance. Preferably, a central control unit manages the monitoring units.

Abstract: A method of performing a service which remotely monitors a Web site includes the steps of monitoring the site for an error and notifying a site representative in the event an error is detected on the site. Advance permission is not obtained prior to sending the notification and a fee is not charged for the service. The appropriate e-mail address to which the notification is sent is identified based on one or more categories and a priority assigned to all e-mail addresses identified on the monitored site. The notification may be sent, alternatively, to the representative of a site linked to the site monitored or to some other interested third party. Subscribers to the monitoring service may be enrolled automatically upon submission of their site to a search engine service or to a domain name registry. The list of service recipients generated by the monitoring service is usable for other commercial purposes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to monitor informational resources, such as websites. A plurality of host units support one or more informational resources accessible over a network, such as the Internet. A plurality of monitoring units located on a distributed computer system are coordinated to access the network and monitor the informational resources to determine if they are accessible and to evaluate their performance. Preferably, a central control unit manages the monitoring units.