1. A network management system for allowing a user to interface with network management data provided by a network agent via a network, the system comprising: a display configured to present the network management data to the user; application level logic configured to obtain and format the network management data to thereby create the display presented to the user; a library comprising software processing structures for sharing data with the network agent; and an abstraction layer distinct from the library and configured in communication with the application level logic, wherein the abstraction layer comprises a pusher feature configured to facilitate the writing of data from the application level logic to the network agent and a puller feature configured to facilitate the reading of data from the network agent to the application level logic, wherein the abstraction layer uses the library to communicate with the network agent via the network while isolating the application level logic from the library.