A storage solution includes a first enclosure having modules and
non-volatile memory, such as hard disk drives. These modules convert file
I/O to block I/O. A second enclosure includes second modules and
non-volatile memory. These modules are operable to cause the block I/O to
be stored on the non-volatile storage in either the first or second
enclosure. Thus, the modules that perform block I/O storage can access
storage that resides in the file I/O server. In a different arrangement,
the storage system has an enclosure having modules and non-volatile
memory. One module converts file I/O to block I/O. Another module
transfers block I/O to the non-volatile memory. The first and second
modules are interconnected via a data bus. Block I/O is transferred
between the first module and the second module via the data bus. The data
bus crosses a midplane that interconnects the modules. The second module
stores data in the enclosure.