Native Command Queuing (NCQ) is a technology used in hard disk drives and solid-state drives that allows multiple read and write commands to be sent to the drive simultaneously. This improves the efficiency of data processing by enabling the drive to optimize the order in which commands are executed, reducing the time it takes to access data. By allowing the drive to manage its own command queue, NCQ minimizes delays and enhances overall performance, especially in environments with heavy multitasking. This is particularly beneficial for servers and workstations that handle numerous data requests at once, leading to faster response times and improved system throughput.