A computer-based system that permits a service-provider to monitoring other computer systems includes a plurality of relays. A monitored relay collects data from one or more monitored computers in the system. This data is forwarded through a secure communication pipeline implemented by the monitoring system to a forwarding relay. The forwarding relay controls data flow between a service provider node and the monitored relays, and includes an instrumentation process that collects data regarding one or more message threads in the relay and sends the data downstream to a service provider system. Computers at the service provider node analyze the data to generate meaningful information about the monitored system, which can be accessed by the service provider or by the owner/operator of the computer system. In addition, the information may be used to generate notices or alarms of specific events.