Method and apparatus for exchanging heartbeat messages and configuration information between nodes operating in a master-slave configuration

A node (, FIG. ), within a networked computer system, is capable of supporting communications with other nodes relating to operating multiple application instances in a master-slave configuration. Each node periodically generates and sends (, FIG. ) a Heartbeat message (FIG. ) that indicates the operational status for one or more application instances being managed by the node. When a node receives a Heartbeat message from a remote node, it evaluates (FIG. ) the Heartbeat information for each application instance reported in the message, and takes any appropriate actions. The node also determines (, FIG. ) whether new configuration information should be obtained for each of the application instances the node is managing, and requests (, FIG. ) that new configuration information, when necessary.