Abstract: A method of processing a query in a distributed database implemented across a set of nodes includes receiving a query. The query is divided into split characterization queries. The split characterization queries are distributed to worker nodes. Each worker node stores a partition of the distributed database with encoded textual objects and pre-defined indices characterizing encoded textual object fragments. The split characterization queries are executed at the worker nodes to obtain preliminary information about query results. Executing the split characterization queries includes matching query fragments associated with the split characterization queries with encoded textual object fragments of the pre-defined indices to produce fragment matches representative of the size of the query results. For each split characterization query the preliminary information about query results includes a fragment count, a database partition identification, and a database host name.

Abstract: A method of processing a query in a distributed database implemented across a set of nodes includes receiving a query. The query is divided into split characterization queries. The split characterization queries are distributed to worker nodes. Each worker node stores a partition of the distributed database with encoded textual objects and pre-defined indices characterizing encoded textual object fragments. The split characterization queries are executed at the worker nodes to obtain preliminary information about query results. Executing the split characterization queries includes matching query fragments associated with the split characterization queries with encoded textual object fragments of the pre-defined indices to produce fragment matches representative of the size of the query results. For each split characterization query the preliminary information about query results includes a fragment count, a database partition identification, and a database host name.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide solutions to allow more sophisticated management of the relationship between a database and its clients (which can be, inter alia, end users, business applications, etc.). Merely by way of example, some embodiments can facilitate the management of work requests in a database, as well as the management of the quality-of-service in a database system. In some embodiments, an identification handle may be assigned to a database work request. A database management application can use the identification handle to identify the work request, as well, perhaps, as any related work requests. The identification handle may also identify the database (and/or an instance thereof) and/or a clustered database node, and the identification handle may be transmitted to a mid-tier application, e.g., to notify the mid-tier about the processing of the work request, changes in quality-of service, server availability, etc.