1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a system including a processor, a data element from a first storage layer device that consolidates storage of network data relating to networks and network components, and storage of application data relating to applications; caching, by the system, the data element in a second storage layer device according to a cache retention protocol defining at least a time period for retention of the data element in the second storage layer device; and removing, by the system, the data element from the second storage layer device after the time period has elapsed.