Abstract: Methods and a system for combining commands for data transfers between a drive and memory. One exemplary method includes receiving multiple read or write commands in a queue. Then, a first command of the multiple read or write commands is processed. Next, the multiple read or write commands are combined. The combination includes identifying like commands each being associated with a file stored on a drive and ascertaining which of the files associated with the like commands are contiguous. Then, a combined command is created, where the combined command consolidates the identified like commands being associated with contiguous files. Next, the combined command is issued to the drive.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for RAID load balancing are provided. One exemplary method includes establishing first and second counters where the first counter is associated with a first drive and the second counter is associated with a second drive. Next, a command is received form an operating system. Then, it is determined if the received command is a read command. If the received command is a read command, then the counters are examined to determine which of the counters is a lower value counter or if the counters are of equal value. Next, a drive associated with the lower value counter is selected or if the counters are of equal value a first drive is selected. The lower value counter is then incremented. Then, the read command is directed to the drive associated with the lower value counter or the first drive if the counters are of equal value.