Abstract: A data processing system includes a plurality of host systems and peripheral subsystems, particularly data storage subsystems. Each of the data storage subsystems includes a plurality of control units attaching a plurality of data storage devices such as direct access storage devices (DASD) for storing data on behalf of the various host systems. Each of the control units have a separate storage path for accessing the peripheral data storage devices using dynamic pathing. The storage paths can be clustered into power clusters. Maintenance personnel acting through maintenance panels on either the control units or the peripheral data storage devices activate the subsystem to request reconfiguration of the subsystem from all of the host systems connected top the subsystem. The host systems can honor the request or reject it based upon diverse criteria. Upon each of the host systems approving the reconfiguration, the subsystem 13 is reconfigured for maintenance purposes.