SELECTIVE EXTRACTIONS OF DATA FROM LARGE TRANSIENT DATA SETS

A method for extracting, displaying and archiving transient test data is performed by cooperative software applications running on one or more computers, such as a client computer and a server computer. The client sends the server an information request regarding a portion of the transient data. Based on the information request from the client, the server provides a summary of the transient data available for extraction. Using the summary information, a user selects which data is to be extracted and archived. By selectively extracting portions of a large transient data set, the invention conserves memory space, sustains or increases speed of associated computers and networks, and eases the manipulation of extracted data.