Abstract: A system for controlled-tuning path performance data collection is provided according to group membership controlled using a tool or application. In an embodiment, criteria may be established for groups that are populated by member objects that satisfy the criteria, and performance data collection is performed for such criteria groups may be turned on or off from an interface of the tool. The tool may automatically update group membership and performance data collection characteristics according to user controlled settings but without requiring further user intervention during the updating. The described system may thereby be advantageously used in connection with management of performance data collection based on a defined groups framework in which selected groups are created, based on specified criteria, that contain objects (e.g., hosts, arrays, switches etc.) for which performance data should be collected.