Method and system for collecting network device information is provided. A meta-meta model structure is used by a plurality of collectors that collect information from a plurality of network devices. The meta-meta model identifies a network protocol that is used for data collection, identifies the type of information that is to be collected and also identifies how collected data is to be stored in a database. A plurality of collectors is configured to interface with the database. When data needs to be collected, an inventory engine reads the meta-meta model and instantiates a collector to collect and store information in the database as specified by the meta-meta model.