1. A method for providing an automation-related service from a first entity that has a remote host at a first location over a network to second entity that is a customer at a second location, the customer having a facility including automated manufacturing equipment comprising a controller, the method comprising the steps of: continuously collecting, at the remote host, real-time system data from the controller; receiving an identifying code from the controller; processing the collected real-time system data at a server of the remote host to generate manufacturing equipment information as a function of the collected data, the processing including: identifying a price for the manufacturing equipment information based at least in part on the identifying code; transmitting the manufacturing equipment information to the customer; charging the customer the identified price; and receiving the identified price from the customer in exchange for transmitting the manufacturing equipment information; wherein the automation-related service is provided from the remote host at the first location of the first entity to the customer at the second location of the second entity over a network.