Abstract: An arrangement in a distributed multi-process system enables centralized monitoring of selected messages that pass through the distributed multi-process system, regardless of the message path or the results of the operations performed on the message by any of the associated processes. An event source process, configured for generating a message corresponding to an occurrence of an event, selectively sets a tracing bit in the message and outputs the message for reception by a destination consumer process. The source process also outputs a first trace message specifying that the source process has output the message. The system also includes an event distribution system having a plurality of distributed filter processes, each configured for selectively passing the message based on a corresponding filter condition. Each filter process also generates a corresponding tracing message indicating the operation performed on the message, in response detecting that the tracing bit is set.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for centrally coordinating, collecting and storing error, trace, audit and other information in a computer network. Selected applications or processes running at various entities or hosts within the network instantiate one or more “debug” objects that collect particularized information. Each entity also includes at least one logging service layer that communicates with the application or process, and includes a communications resource and one or more state machine engines. In response to collecting error, trace, audit or other information, each debug object passes it to the respective logging service layer, which decides whether or not to forward it to a centralized logging facility disposed within the network. The forwarding of collected information depends on the state of the debug object. If the state of the debug object is enabled, then the logging service layer forwards the collected information to the centralized logging facility.