Abstract: Described are techniques for performing data storage system management of a data storage system. Using an active element manager component, a data storage system management operation in connection with a data storage device of the data storage system is performed, and context information is collected and provided to a target location in an external environment having connectivity to the data storage. The active element manager component provides for automatically connecting a current session associated with the data storage system management operation to the target location and receives one or more communications from the external environment.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing data storage system management of a data storage system. Using an active element manager component, a data storage system management operation in connection with a data storage device of the data storage system is performed, and context information is collected and provided to a target location in an external environment having connectivity to the data storage. The active element manager component provides for automatically connecting a current session associated with the data storage system management operation to the target location and receives one or more communications from the external environment.

Abstract: Described are techniques for providing support in connection with a data storage system. An active element manager component is used to perform, a data storage system management operation. The active element manager component collects context information. The context information is transmitted from the data storage system to an external environment. User relevant information is received at the active element manager component from the external environment. The external environment determines the user relevant information in accordance with the context information and support information and services provided by the external environment. The user relevant information includes information about one or more types of support. The user relevant information is displayed via a user interface.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing data storage system management of a data storage system. An active element manager component is provided that performs data storage system management operations. Using the active element management component, context information is collected. User relevant information is received by the active element manager component. The user relevant information includes information about a virtual user community relevant to a first user identifier. For an active element management session having the first user identifier, the user relevant information is displayed via a user interface. The user interface provides for display a first portion of the user relevant information about the virtual user community and a first connection to the external environment. Upon selection of the first portion, the active element manager component connects to a target location associated with the virtual user community and provides the context information to the external environment.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing data storage system management of a data storage system. An active element manager component is provided that performs data storage system management operations. User relevant information is received at said active element manager component from an external environment. The user relevant information includes information about an entity for purchase or license using said external environment which is relevant to a first user identifier. For an active element management session having said first user identifier, the user relevant information is displayed via a user interface. The user interface provides for display a first portion of said user relevant information. Upon selection of the first portion, the active element manager component connects to a target location in said external environment that is associated with the entity and provides context information to said external environment.