A method and apparatus for adding a node to a group of nodes is provided. Group capability data is stored in volatile memory of a group manager for a group. The group capability data identifies capability requirements for members of the group. The group manager provides notification services for members of the group. A request to add a particular node to a group is received. In response to receiving the request, a determination is made as to whether the particular node satisfies the capability requirements identified by the group capability data. Upon determining that the particular node does satisfy the capability requirements identified by the group capability data, the particular node is added to the group. The capability requirements for members of a group may initially be based on the capabilities of the first node that is added to a group.