A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a logical partitioned data processing system for managing trace data. A call is received for the trace data from a calling partition within a plurality of partitions in the logical partitioned data processing system. The trace data in a buffer associated with the calling partition to form identified trace data is identified. Only the identified trace data for the calling partition is returned. The trace data for other partitions within the plurality of partitions is not returned to the calling partition.