A method, system, computer program product, and computer program storage device for transforming a high-level policy associated with a high layer to a low-level policy associated with a low layer. Mapping between high-level objects in a high layer and low-level objects in a low layer is derived by an automated discovery tool. The high-level policy is mapped to the low-level policy according to the mapping (e.g., by substituting the high-level objects with the low-level objects and by performing a syntax transformation). In one embodiment, a low-level policy is transformed to a high-level policy according to the mapping. As exemplary embodiments, policy transformations in traffic shaping and data retention are disclosed.