A data structure for exchanging profiling data in the form of trace elements between collection agents and analysis agents in a profiling tool, wherein the data structure comprises elements for identifying fragments, and attributes defining a logical hierarchy between the trace elements. A system is also set forth for providing access to profiling data of an application over an network, comprising a profiling interface for transmitting event data from the application, a collection agent for receiving and encoding the event data in trace element fragments each containing at least one attribute, and in response transmitting the fragments over the network, and at least one analysis client for receiving and collating the fragments in accordance with the at least one attribute.