Distributed applications contain an inherent complexity which in praxis become apparent through high costs for installation, maintenance and problem determination. This complexity must be reduced by appropriate management tools. The MELODY management system supports the integration of management functions into distributed applications. It realizes an object oriented information model which is directly integrated into the component of a distributed application. The realized object services hides the necessary communication procedures from the application. The supporting management platform enables a location transparent, efficient access with respect to preset actuality requirements. Management applications are supported through functions to monitor and control the system.