Abstract: A means for extending the Input/Output System of a host computer via software-centric virtualization. Physical hardware I/O resources are virtualized via a software-centric solution utilizing two or more host systems. The invention advantageously eliminates the host bus adapter, remote bus adapter, and expansion chassis and replaces them with a software construct that virtualizes selectable hardware resources located on a geographically remote second host making them available to the first host. One aspect of the invention utilizes 1 Gbps-10 Gbps or greater connectivity via the host systems existing standard Network Interface Cards (NIC) along with unique software to form the virtualization solution.