A computerized method, program product, and an autonomic data processing system for archiving real-time log data immediately upon the occurrence of an event. An application is executing and a logging application is obtaining real-time log data. The real-time log data is temporarily retained in a memory and when the memory fills, the real-time log data is archived to a longer-term memory. Upon archival, selected parameters of the real-time log data is saved. When an event occurs that is considered significant meaning that an aspect of the data processing system is impacted by or is indicative of the event, an information level module immediately adjusts the level of information of the selected parameters archived to the longer-term memory, allowing for selected levels to be retained for future analysis. As part of an autonomic computer system, the information levels can be adjusted for learning about specific events and the behavior of the data processing system.