Storage area network methods and apparatus using event notifications with data

In a system for managing a storage area network (SAN) of the type that a plurality of components, including any of storage devices and digital data processors, the improvement comprising:

• a first element that maintains a first representation of the SAN and that
• generates an event notification indicative of an event with respect to the SAN, the first element including with the event notification associated data from the first representation for use in processing the notification,
• a second element in communication with the first element, the second element maintaining a second representation of the SAN and responding to the event notification and the associated data by updating the second representation,
• the second element updating the second representation without further data from the first element.