Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and system for real-time monitoring and surveillance of a computer network according to a set of business rules that describe system and device operational requirements. The business rules are determined by users and implemented by network administrators so that direct, real-time, on-the-fly secure, interaction with the business rules is provided. The invention provides an interface to apply the business rules to network monitoring so that designated users are notified according to user defined escalation levels when a device violates a business rule.