Abstract: Units of data (data sets, data bases, etc.) are allocated data storage space in a data storage system based on implicit analysis of the unit of data. A plurality of data classes, each defining predetermined characterisitics of diverse units of data, are established for the data storage system. A plurality of storage classes, each defining predetermined sets of storage performance and availability requirements are established for the data storage system. A plurality of management classes, each defining respective diverse sets of life cycle attributes for units of data are established for the data storage system. A plurality of storage groups, each defining diverse predetermined performance device and management available in the data storage system but independently of the individual storage devices of the data storage system are established. The devices are selectively assigned to different ones of the established storage groups.