Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed generally to data filtering methods, and combinations thereof, for reducing the quantity of non-actionable, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary data events reported to a network management system. According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for filtering event data in a network comprises: defining a plurality of discrete filtering rules, each of the plurality of rules performing at least one of a permit, deny, log, and rewrite function; assembling at least a first and second of the plurality of rules into an ordered sequence to form a first rule set; assembling at least a third and a fourth of the plurality of rules into an ordered sequence to form a second rule set; employing the first rule set in an appliance associated with a customer network; and employing the second rule set in a server associated with a network management system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed generally to a decentralization of security provisions, improved logging of textual and/or graphical data in the network management system, and/or the use of low-value keyboard, mouse, and compressed video data between the network management system and the managed network. An embodiment of the invention includes: a customer appliance coupled to the management server via a first link; and an interface to a managed device coupled to the customer appliance, the first link configured to transmit input/output (I/O) command signals from the management server to the customer appliance, the first link further configured to transmit compressed computer video screen information from the customer appliance to the management server.