The communications mechanism used by the Hitachi Storage Viewer Data Collector to interface with the Storage Viewer Data Receiver is through Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) over the Internet or an Intranet. The Data Collector attempts to establish a “session” with the Data Receiver using its pre-configured URL (IP address), login identifier, and passcode. The Data Receiver validates these credentials and, if valid, goes into “session” with the Data Collector. The Data Receiver drops the connection, should the validation of the credentials fails. The Data Collector uses the HTTP post request method to submit data to be processed by the Data Receiver. The default transport mechanism between the Data Collector and the Data Receiver is done over secure HTTP (HTTPS) through the standard IP Secure Socket Layer (SSL) on port 443. However, the Data Collector can use any unused port and transport data to the Data Receiver via http or https. This allows users to adopt various secure approaches that best fit their network environment such as private LANs, virtual private networks (VPNs), corporate Intranets, and even secure public Internet access.