A data storage system for transferring data between a host computer/server and a bank of disk drives through a system interface. The system interface includes a plurality of directors. One portion of the directors is coupled to the host computer/server and another portion of the directors is coupled to the bank of disk drives. The directors control a flow of data between the host computer/server and the bank of disk drives. Each one of the directors has a time element. A time manager provides accurate time information to the time elements. The time elements determine, from the time information fed thereto, and measured time delays, global machine time information for the one of the directors having such time element. The time system is self calibrating.