Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which utilize a state model for managing a network. A user can define a state model using, for example, a graphical user interface. A user may define one or more poll services that include state model(s) therein to be simultaneously executed, which enables efficient operation of such state models. A most preferred embodiment provides a central management system that is communicatively coupled to one or more distributed polling gateways for executing the user-defined state models to manage network elements. Upon the polling gateway determining that a state transition is proper, the state of the network element is transitioned, and user defined transition actions for such state transition are triggered in response thereto. A user may implement cross-correlation of various different state models in managing network elements. Additionally, a user may dynamically define/modify polling services and/or state models during runtime.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed which enable efficient recovery of management of one or more network elements responsive to failure of a gateway responsible for managing such one or more network elements. According to at least one embodiment, operation of a plurality of distributed gateways that are each responsible for managing one or more network elements is monitored. Through such monitoring, failure of one of the distributed gateways may be efficiently detected, and responsive to detection of a failed gateway, management of the network element(s) for which such failed gateway had management responsibility may be efficiently recovered by allocating responsibility of management activities for which a detected failed gateway had responsibility to one or more available gateways. Allocation of such management activities may be performed in a manner that balances the operational load placed on such available gateways.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method in which management behavior within a network management system is represented as objects to allow for such management behavior to be dynamically defined. Management behavior may be dynamically created and/or modified by a user in various embodiments. Objects are used to represent management behavior, such as behavior associated with trap management and/or polling management. Such objects may be dynamically defined by a user and activated with the management system during system run-time, without requiring that the system be shut down to implement behavioral changes. The management system may be implemented with gateways distributed from a central management processor. Upon behavior objects being defined by a user, the system may determine appropriate gateways to receive the objects and autonomously communicate the objects thereto.