Abstract: A method for storing and retrieving electronically transmitted data through the use of distributed indices. Data to be stored is received and automatically stored and indexed on the basis of information contained within the data. Similarly, requests to retrieve data are received and automatically routed to the proper storage location on the basis of information contained within the data. The data to be retrieved is then compiled and automatically transmitted to the user. High speed search and retrieval of the data is possible by using different data fields to divide indices to the data into small functional groups and distributing these groups on processors and storage media relevant to the data's storage location. This index distribution ensures that individual indices retain a small memory size and directs the search to a particular processor, thus decreasing the time required to retrieve stored information.