What constitutes a Process Group Instance in Dynatrace?

A Process Group Instance in Dynatrace refers specifically to a Process Group that is executed on a particular host. This means that the instance reflects the unique execution of a set of processes, which are defined by a common configuration and behavior, but are running on the specified infrastructure.

This concept is crucial for monitoring and performance management, as it allows Dynatrace to track the individual performance metrics, resource usage, and behaviors associated with each instance of a process group, helping users identify issues that may arise from specific instances rather than from the process group as a whole.

In contrast, a single process running in isolation does not account for the broader context in which multiple similar processes, with shared configurations, may operate. An application instance across multiple hosts describes a broader architecture where the application spans multiple environments, which may not adequately describe the metrics related to a specific Process Group Instance. Lastly, a combined service operating in the cloud implies a different abstraction layer, one that is more about how services interact rather than the singular focus of monitoring an individual instance of a process group on a specific host. This distinction is vital for understanding how Dynatrace organizes and presents performance data.