A system and method for transmitting data in a distributed computing environment. The method includes transmitting a first portion of data from an origin to a destination using a first communication route, wherein the first communication route is selected based on characteristics of each of a first plurality of potential communication routes, wherein the first portion of data consists of metadata, wherein the first communication route is an optimal communication route for transmitting metadata; and transmitting a second portion of data from the origin to the destination using a second communication route, wherein the second communication route is selected based on characteristics of each of a second plurality of potential communication routes, wherein the second portion of data excludes metadata, wherein the second communication route is an optimal communication route for transmitting data other than metadata.