A method includes parsing input from a requestor, where the input includes at least one of a query and a command that is parsed into a structured query having an indication of at least one data stream or set of data streams and at least one action to be performed on the at least one data stream or set of data streams. The method further includes mapping the structured query into a graph of processing elements that are selected and interconnected so as to execute the structured query; instantiating the graph of processing elements and connecting and initializing the instantiated graph of processing elements with an identified at least one data stream or set of data streams to receive data there from; and outputting a result of the structured query to the requestor.