A data storage system includes a first server including: a first plurality of storage disks configured to store data, and a first host bus adapter including a first processor configured to provide a first virtual expander and a first logic component; and a second server including: a second plurality of storage disks configured to store data, and a second host bus adapter including a second processor configured to provide a second virtual expander and a second logic component, wherein the first host bus adapter of the first server is coupled to the second host bus adapter of the second server via a SAS connection, and wherein each of the first plurality of storage disks and the second plurality of storage disks are accessible by each of the first server and the second server.