Mechanisms and techniques for processing information in a network management application, such as a storage area network management application, include an agent and store process. The agent collects a current management data set from managed entity(s) in a network and compares the current management data set to a former management data set previously collected from the managed entity to identify differences in the current management data set as compared to the former management data set. The agent transmits the current management data set to a store process. The store process receives the current management data set and uses verification values and change indicators contained therein to identifying current portions of management data in the current management data that reflect a change. For any changed data portions, the store process modifies or updates managed object data in the management database.