A data processing system includes a first storage system including a first
host and a first storage subsystem. The first host has access to a first
copy manager that is operable to manage a data replication operation. A
second storage system includes a second host and a second storage
subsystem. The second host has access to a second copy manager that is
operable to manage a data replication operation. A first communication
link is coupled to the first storage system and the second storage system
to exchange management information between the first and second storage
systems in order to manage the data replication operation. A data
transfer path is configured to transfer data stored in the first storage
subsystem to the second storage subsystem and replicate the data of the
first storage subsystem in the second storage subsystem. The data
transfer path is different from the first communication link.