A storage array is implemented as a virtual machine on a server. The virtual storage array includes a virtual engine with virtual directors and virtualized processor and memory resources. Embedded storage software converts Input/Output requests into Input/Output requests that can be serviced by the virtual machine. A virtual backend driver enables the virtual storage directors to access a set of virtual drives. A virtualized shared memory driver provides emulated input/output, XOR, direct memory access and copy services for send and receive threads.