A DataPath Engine coupled to a SAN provides automated storage provisioning between an application on a Storage Area Network (SAN) attached server and a data volume on a SAN attached storage subsystem. The apparatus provides a simple user interface that allows operators to use pre-created policies for criteria to select data paths that meet organizations uptime and performance requirements. The apparatus uses pathing methodologies to select the optimal data path from the candidates by rating SAN state, uptime, performance, and other key factors. This apparatus allows an enterprise to more efficiently and effectively manage and monitor large, complex, distributed SANs.