Storage area network methods and apparatus with history maintenance and removal

Improved storage area networks (SANs) maintain a first store containing an internal representation of the SAN and a separate store identifying changes to the SAN. A process executing, for example, in the manager digital data processor of the type described above utilizes the first store to generate a display, e.g., on the operator/administrator console, of the SAN topology, its components and/or the relationships (collectively, "topology") among those components. The manager responds to information in the second store to identify on the display changes in the SAN. The digital data processor selectively discontinues identifying changes on the topology display. This can be in response, for example, to an operator/administrator request. At the same time, or otherwise in connection therewith, the digital data processor can, moreover, remove the corresponding history information from the second store.