A method of monitoring a network connected device among distinct devices. The method includes accessing a first database via a hardware access module, the first database is configured to support a plurality of communication protocols. The first database is stored with information used by the plurality of communication protocols in order to determine manufacturer and model information of a monitored device. A communication protocol is selected from among a plurality of communication protocols, the selected communication protocol is configured to receive status information from the monitored device. The method further includes accessing the monitored device using the selected communication protocol and information from the first database, receiving status information from the accessed device, storing the received status information in a second database, parsing the received status information to extract parameter values representing an operational status of the monitored device, and retrieving the operational status information corresponding to the extracted parameter values from the second database.