Maximizing sequential output in a disk array storage device

Load balancing of activities on physical disk storage devices is accomplished by monitoring reading and writing operations to blocks of contiguous storage locations on the physical disk storage devices. A list of exchangeable pairs of blocks is developed based on size and function. Statistics accumulated over an interval are then used to obtain access activity values for each block and each physical disk drive. These activities are represented as disk seek, latency and data transfer times. A statistical analysis leads to a selection of one block pair. After testing to determine any adverse effect of making that change, the exchange is made to more evenly distribute the loading on individual physical disk storage devices.