Abstract: The invention prevents data transfer in a computer network from being sent via a path incapable of transfer or of poor data transfer efficiency. A central processing unit, a main memory unit, and storage devices for storing data and data processing devices are connected in the network, and the data is transferred mutually between the storage devices and the data processing devices without passing through the central processing unit or the main memory unit. The apparatus includes a data transfer control module that identifies the capability/incapability of data transfer based on the physical positions of the storage devices, the physical positions of the data processing devices, and the transfer paths incapable of data transfer. The volume management module specifies a combination of storage devices capable of data transfer based on the physical positions of the storage devices, the physical positions of data processing devices, and the transfer paths capable of data transfer.