Service data and service management data traffic in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) may flow thorough a large number of devices (e.g., storage, network, cache and other devices and appliances) when the data move from one or more source systems to one or more target systems (or end user systems). Embodiments of the present invention provide a data analysis driven approach that detects patterns in data movements, and data traffic can be used to determine placement of certain network service components such as, among others, storage devices and appliances, server devices and appliances, network devices and appliances, etc.