1. A method of processing network metadata generated on a network transmitting network traffic using one or more network protocols, the network including devices at least some of which receive network traffic through an ingress interface and transmit network traffic through an egress interface, the method comprising the steps of: receiving network metadata from a plurality of sources in a data processing system, in at least one data format; determining the type or character of said network metadata; processing said network metadata to extract useful information therefrom; and converting at least a portion of said network metadata into one or more different data formats that are used in said data processing system for other system metadata, in response, at least in part, to the results of said determining step.