Abstract: A method and system for accessing data are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of providing a first path for a computing device to direct a first request to access the storage device associated with the computing device, providing a second path for a master to direct a second request to access the storage device based on an operating mode associated with the computing device, and establishing a reliable communication link with the storage device prior to transmitting a command to the storage device.