A self-contained data storage subsystem is provided for a distributed storage system having a plurality of rotatable spindles, each supporting a storage medium adjacent a respective independently moveable actuator in a data storing and retrieving relationship therewith. A subsystem processor is adapted and integrated with the plurality of spindles, for mapping a virtual storage volume to the plurality of mediums for use by a remote device of the distributed storage system. The combination of the plurality of spindles into a common pool of reliable, provisionable, storage capacity is described. A method to increase the overall reliability, performance, while reducing cost with the combination is also described. By reducing cost, while increasing reliability and performance of the solution, a lower total cost of ownership is realized by users of the intelligent data system.