System and method used in a computer system for distributing tasks between multiprocessing I/O subsystems

A load balancing system and method for distributing a task between Input/Output subsystems of a computer system. The load balancing system includes a central processing unit for transmitting the task to a central controller. The central controller in response to the transmitted task generates and transmits a request command over a side-band bus to a plurality of peripheral components. Each of the peripheral components that are capable of servicing the request command will transmit a response signal over the side-band bus back to the central controller. Thereafter, the central controller by processing all the response signals dispatches a service command signal to one of the capable peripheral components. The service command signal will direct the one capable peripheral component to service the task.