Described are techniques for performing data storage system management of a data storage system. An active element manager component is provided that performs data storage system management operations. User relevant information is received at said active element manager component from an external environment. The user relevant information includes information about an entity for purchase or license using said external environment which is relevant to a first user identifier. For an active element management session having said first user identifier, the user relevant information is displayed via a user interface. The user interface provides for display a first portion of said user relevant information. Upon selection of the first portion, the active element manager component connects to a target location in said external environment that is associated with the entity and provides context information to said external environment.