Abstract: A log device based data storage subsystem provides for the efficient storage and retrieval of data with respect to an operating system executing on a computer system coupled to the data storage system. The data storage system includes a storage device providing for the storage of predetermined file and system data, as provided by the computer system, within a main filesystem layout established in the storage device. The data storage system also includes a log device coupled in the logical data transfer path between storage device and the computer system. The log device provides for the storage of the predetermined file and system data within a log structured filesystem layout established in the log device.