Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided comprising a software system resident in a memory space configured to execute a service request which results in a plurality of events carried out by the software system to complete the service request, and creates a plurality of entries associated with the events, wherein each entry defines an operational state of the software system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for logging and analyzing event flows associated with execution of a service request in a software system, such as a computer-based system comprising a multi-disc data storage array. Execution of the service request results in a plurality of events carried out by multiple layers of the software system. A global event log accumulates a corresponding plurality of entries which associates each of the events carried out by the multiple layers. An event trace facility preferably accesses the global event log to provide a sequence of the entries corresponding to the service request, such as in a tree structure or time sequence order displayed by a graphical user interface. A log manager preferably controls operation of the global event log. Entries in the global event log are preferably entered sequentially for each ongoing process, and each entry preferably includes an identifier that identifies the associated service request.