One embodiment disclosed relates to a process of configuring a network management system to support a new event trap. A new trap definition file is created which corresponds to the event trap. The new trap definition file is dropped into a trap definitions folder that is known to the network management system, Another embodiment disclosed relates to a method of processing an event trap by network management software. The trap is received, and a determination is made as to the trap code of the trap. Trap definition files in a trap definitions folder are scanned for a corresponding trap definition file having the trap code. Other embodiments are also disclosed.