A data storage system may have a first data storage device and a second data storage device connected with a host via a network. The network can consist of a network controller having a message module that generates a buffer progression plan and then assigns a first system message to a first buffer and first computing unit of the first data storage device and assigns a second system message to a second buffer and second computing unit of the second data storage device. The respective first and second computing units may then service the first and second system messages.