System and method for monitoring informational resources

Abstract

A system and method are provided to monitor informational resources, such as websites. A plurality of host units support one or more informational resources accessible over a network, such as the Internet. A plurality of monitoring units located on a distributed computer system are coordinated to access the network and monitor the informational resources to determine if they are accessible and to evaluate their performance. Preferably, a central control unit manages the monitoring units.

1 . A method for use in conjunction with a distributed computer system, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) accessing a network by a plurality of host units, the network comprising a plurality of interconnected computers capable of sending and receiving data to and from one another;    (b) supporting by each host unit one or more informational resources accessible through the network;    (c) coordinating a plurality of monitoring units each located on a different computer in the distributed computer system;    (d) accessing the network by at least one monitoring unit; and    (e) monitoring the performance of at least one informational resource by the at least one monitoring unit.    
   
   
       2 - 28 . (canceled)