A method for provisioning a volume of data is disclosed. The method involves identifying a set of rules associated with the volume of data, wherein the set of rules includes at least two conflicting rules, prioritizing the at least two conflicting rules, and placing the volume of data on a first computer system according to the prioritization. The method also includes collecting performance metrics corresponding to the placed volume of data, computing a score based on the collected performance metrics, determining if the computed score is acceptable, and determining that the placement is successful when the computer score is determined to be acceptable. The method further includes changing the prioritization of the at least two conflicting rules and placing the volume of data on a second computer system according to the changed prioritization when the score is determined to be unacceptable. The volume of data may be placed on the second computer system only during hours when the second computer system is not used, or during a period of time in which activity on the second computer system is relatively low.