1. An apparatus for managing performance information relating to a plurality of storage components, comprising: at least one collection agent configured to collect storage system performance information from at least one of said storage system components; a command and control module interfaced to said at least one collection agent automatically issuing commands to said collection agents in response to a user-specified policy and receiving said storage system performance information from said collection agents, said command and control module coordinating request of data from said collection agents; a data manager receiving said storage system performance information from said command and control module, said data manager configured to perform computation and conversion of said storage system performance information to generate computed metrics and converted metrics; a policy engine communicating with said command and control module, said policy engine configuring policy for collection of storage system performance information; a user selection and policy interface communicating with said policy engine and configured for a user to set policy for data collection timing and retention of said storage system performance information.