A data storage management system comprises a workflow engine, a lifecycle module, and a storage application. The workflow engine is configured to manage a plurality of defined business processes and to execute at least one process step associated with at least one data item. The lifecycle module is configured to detect a change in lifecycle of the at least one data item. The storage application is configured to perform at least one storage action on the data item as a result of the data item reaching a step in a business process, the data item having a change in lifecycle, the data item having a change in metadata, or an event occurring to the data item. Application layer information about data derived from operation of the system allows the system to make more accurate determinations of business value of data and to determine appropriate storage actions to perform on data.