A storage controller, cooperable with host computer apparatus, and a plurality of controlled storage apparatus, comprises a host write component operable to write a data object to a source data image at one of the plurality of controlled storage apparatus; a first copy component responsive to a first metadata state and operable to control copying of the data object to a first target data image at one of the plurality of controlled storage apparatus; a second copy component responsive to a second metadata state and operable to perform one of: controlling copying of the data object to a second target data image at one of the plurality of controlled storage apparatus; and causing the first copy component to perform copying of the second target data image to the first target data image.