Method and apparatus for dynamic configurable logging of activities in a distributed computing system

Apparatus for providing selective control of variable frequency logging of activities in a distributed computing system comprising a plurality of computing locations comprising:

• a plurality of logging components comprising at least one message logger, for monitoring messages and for generating message logger output, and at least one selectively-enabled trace logger for logging system activities for each computing location;
• an event trigger detection component for detecting at least one predefined trigger event comprising a message level error indicative of an error at a computing location based on message logger output from at least one message logger;
• a logging activator responsive to input from the event trigger detection component for determining the location of said error and for temporarily activating at least one selectively-enabled trace logger of said plurality of logging components to log system activities in at least said location of said error;
• and
• a stop event detection component for detecting a step event and for effecting termination of logging of system activities based on detection of a stop event.

A program storage device readable by machine tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method for providing variable frequency logging of activities in a distributed computing system comprising a plurality of computing locations having at least one message logger for monitoring messages and for generating message logger output and a plurality of selectively-enabled trace loggers capable of logging system activities from respective computing locations, said method comprising the steps of:

• detecting an event trigger comprising a message level error indicative of an error at a computing location based on message logger output;
• determining the computing location at which said error occurred;
• responsive to the event trigger and the determined computer location, activating a temporary logging function starting logging by a respective selectively-enabled trace logger for logging system activities for at least said one Computing location at which said error occurred so that a source of said error can be determined;
• logging system activities by the selectively-enabled trace logger;
• and
• terminating logging of system activities based on detection of a stop event by selectively disabling the selectively-enabled trace logger.