Abstract: A device for storing distributed data in a networked storage array. The device includes a mass storage controller associated with a network. A mass storage device is included that is controlled by the mass storage controller. The mass storage device includes a portion of the distributed data. Client systems are included that have a mass storage, and each store a portion of the distributed data as directed by the mass storage controller. The distributed data is stored in a distributed storage file of the client system's mass storage. The client systems' mass storage is used primarily for the client system's data.