Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for providing I/O operations. In particular, a particular I/O operation is programmed as a net in a matrix format. Upon initialization of the I/O subsystem, an intermediate representation of the net in matrix format is created. Subsequently, upon a running of the net operation, a complete version of the net matrix is created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving write throughput in a redundant array of mass storage devices using a cache memory to store redundant terms or code words generated when data is written to one or more devices in the array. The cache memory improves the write-throughput performance of the array by eliminating the need to perform a read-modify-write operation on check data stored in the mass storage devices of the array each time a write request is made. As a result, write-throughput of the system, particularly at peak demand periods, is improved.