Method and apparatus for distributed rule evaluation in a near real-time business intelligence system

A method for optimally monitoring a set of data elements for an event. The method includes determining a set of data elements, each of which further comprises a state. An event is commonly a change in this state. The method further includes creating a rule for monitoring the event, wherein the rule comprises an event identification portion resident on a first computer and an action portion resident on a second computer. The method also includes monitoring the set of data elements for the event based, in part, on the event identification portion, and determining if the event has occurred. If so, the method further includes sending the set of data elements to the second computer. The method also includes executing a set of actions, based in part, on the action portion. Thereafter, the method further includes monitoring the set of data elements based, in part, on the rule.