Abstract: An advanced data server including an I/O ring coupled to at least one I/O access channel which provides data to the I/O ring or reads data out from the I/O ring; a disc array ring coupled to least two disc arrays which store therein data received from the disc array ring or retrieve therefrom data for receipt by the disc array ring, the disc array ring also being coupled to the I/O ring so that data can flow between those rings; and a server controller coupled to the I/O ring and the disc array ring for controlling the operations thereof. The I/O ring includes a first ring controller which controls receipt of data from the I/O access channel and transfer of that data to the disc array ring, or receipt of data from the disc array ring and transfer of that data to the I/O access channel.