Provided are a method, system and program for processing complexes to
access shared devices. A lock to a plurality of shared devices is
maintained and accessible to a first and second processing systems. The
first processing complex determines a first delay time and the second
processing complex determines a second delay time. The first processing
complex issues a request for the lock in response to expiration of the
first delay time and the second processing complex issues a request for
the lock in response to expiration of the second delay time.