Giving access to networked storage dependent upon local demand

A method of transferring data in a networked image data processing environment, including a plurality of image data processing systems, a plurality of data storage systems;

• a high bandwidth network connected to each of said data processing systems and to each of said storage systems;
• and a low bandwidth network connected to said image processing systems, wherein said method comprises:
• operating each of said data storage systems under the direct control of one of said image processing systems;
• issuing a request from a first processing system to access a data storage system controlled by said second processing system over said low bandwidth network;
• using bandwidth assessment means at said second processing system to assess an extent to which said second processing system requires access to said storage system;
• using comparison means at said second processing system to make an indication of storage regions that may be accessed if said extent is below a predetermined threshold;
• making an identification at said second processing system of said storage regions that may be accessed;
• conveying said identification from said second processing system to said first processing system over said low bandwidth network;
• and
• accessing said identified storage portion by said first processing system via said high bandwidth network.