1. A method of monitoring a node in a network by a monitoring application, comprising: monitoring information about said node automatically reported to said monitoring application by a first monitor running on said node; in response to information reported by said first monitor, automatically transmitting to said node a second monitor that automatically ceases operation at the conclusion of a predetermined lifespan; and during the lifespan of said second monitor, monitoring information about said node automatically reported to said monitoring application by said second monitor, including information that is not reported by said first monitor.