Described are techniques for providing support in connection with a data storage system. An active element manager component is used to perform, a data storage system management operation. The active element manager component collects context information. The context information is transmitted from the data storage system to an external environment. User relevant information is received at the active element manager component from the external environment. The external environment determines the user relevant information in accordance with the context information and support information and services provided by the external environment. The user relevant information includes information about one or more types of support. The user relevant information is displayed via a user interface.