Regions of data storage involved with fast replication relationships are
managed and tracked in order to maintain the integrity of the data on the source
and target volumes. In response to a delete operation referencing specified regions
of storage, pending fast replication transfers are completed for source regions,
fast replication relationships within the specified regions are withdrawn, and
the specified regions of storage are release for subsequent allocation and reuse.
The present invention facilitates maintaining synchronization of the storage management
components of operating systems with the fast replication mechanisms of storage
controllers, and releases unused storage regions for subsequent use. A storage
subsystem may receive a delete command and make a determination of whether to release
the specified regions of storage according to a state of a fast replication relationship
with the regions of storage.