VSAM data striping allows sequential I/O to be performed for a data set at a rate greater than that allowed by the physical path between the DASD and the processor. The physical characteristics of channels, control units, and DASD limit the data transfer rate. VSAM data striping avoids such limitations by spreading the data set among multiple stripes on multiple control units. The data striping function is designed to improve the performance of applications requiring sequential access to data records. Data striping does not affect direct access to data.