A hyperconverged data storage system including a storage array. A first node includes hardware and a virtualization layer supporting guest virtual machines running first applications. An active first virtual storage controller executing in the first virtualization layer is configured for handling IOs accessing the storage array. A second node includes hardware and a second virtualization layer supporting guest virtual machines running second applications. A second virtual storage controller executing in the second virtualization layer operates in a standby mode to the first virtual storage controller. An internal communication network facilitates communications between the first node and the second node. The first virtual storage controller when operating in active mode is configured for handling IOs originating from the first applications and the second applications.