A
computer program product, an apparatus, and a method for
processing communications between a target and an initiator an input / output
processing system are provided. The
computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a
processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes: sending a message from the initiator to the target, the message requesting suspension of input / output operations between the initiator and the target for a period of time, the period of time being defined by the message; responsive to the message, suspending input / output operation messages for the period of time; performing a
system change comprising at least one of: at least one update, a
computer program installation, a
recovery, and a change in operating parameters; and initiating new input / output operations after at least one of: expiration of the period of time and
initiation of new input / output operations by the initiator.