Abstract: A system and technique for storing data in a cache memory in record format and in track format. Space is allocated in cache memory for the storage of data in track format. Additional space is allocated for the storage of data in record format. Data is stored in both formats. The most current data is identified and addresses are generated for each record of data. Access to individual records of data is facilitated through a track information block in which pointers are stored for the most current records whether stored in track format or record format. The track information block facilitates a rapid storage and retrieval of data in either format. In a specific implementation, data is stored in either format in cache using a scatter index table. The scatter index table and associated track directory entries are stored in a shared control array. Each track directory entry points to a track slot header in a cache.