Abstract: A data storage system is coupled to a host computer system for the transfer of data between the host and a plurality of data storage devices. The data storage devices are coupled to a plurality of data transfer channels with each data storage channel be coupled to at least a respective one of the data storage devices. Each data transfer channel includes a data buffer and an autonomously operating controller for transferring between the channels data buffer and data storage device. A non-volatile random access storage memory is provided to store cached pages of data. An interface couples the data storage system to the host and through which data is transferred. A reconfigurable data path permits selective data transfer couplings between the data transfers channels, the non-volatile memory, and the interface.

Abstract: A single instance of a device driver is used to control multiple peripheral devices in a computer system having a central processor for executing an operating system, a memory, and first and second interface buses permitting interconnection of peripheral adapters with the central processor. The interface buses each correspond to different classes of peripheral adapters. The device driver includes an initialization routine for scanning the interface buses to identify predetermined functionally related peripheral adapters. A communications path is provided between the operating system and each of the peripheral adapters of a form appropriate for the particular interface bus connected to each adapter. A control path is also provided between each of the peripheral adapters and the operating system of a form appropriate for the particular interface bus connected to each adapter.