Abstract: A display (27) provides a visual representation of data within a database (20) received via display generator (34). A first part of the display is concerned with a generated tree relating to selected data from the database. A second part of the display is concerned with a generated gauge which is displayed concurrently with the first part of the display and represents a visual indication of the state of the database or the data within the database.

Abstract: An inventory management system includes a database for storing object oriented network inventory data. Data on network components is input into the database as different selected classes of objects. An object identifier is selectively added dependent on the class of object. At least one class of objects can accommodate other objects such that is stored as a modified object tree without all objects contributing to the object identifier.