A machine-implemented method for controlling transfer of at least one data item from a data cache component, in communication with storage using at least one relatively higher-latency path and at least one relatively lower-latency path, comprises: receiving metadata defining at least a first characteristic of data selected for inspection; responsive to the metadata, seeking a match between said at least first characteristic and a second characteristic of at least one of a plurality of data items in the data cache component; selecting said at least one of the plurality of data items where the at least one of the plurality of data items has the second characteristic matching the first characteristic; and passing the selected one of the plurality of data items from the data cache component using the relatively lower-latency path.