Abstract: A networked system for processing queries for a server in a distributed processing environment is provided. The system includes a plurality of clients disposed for communication with a database server through an electronic mail system. The server includes an electronic mail interface for receiving queries submitted by the clients and for transmitting the corresponding responses. A mail processor is also provided for processing the queries submitted by the clients and for submitting the queries to the request processor. The mail processor operates to provide bi-directional communication between the mail interface and the request processor. In addition, the mail processor retrieves mail messages from the mail interface, translates them into a format recognized by the request processor, receives query results from the request processor, and returns the results with the appropriate user identification to the mail interface.

Abstract: A networked system for processing queries for a server in a distributed processing environment is provided. The system includes a plurality of clients disposed for communication with a database server through an electronic mail system. The server includes an electronic mail interface for receiving queries submitted by the clients, and transmitting the corresponding response. A processor is also provided for processing the queries submitted from the clients, and submitting the queries on to the scheduler. The processor operates to provide bi-directional communication between the mail interface and the scheduler. In addition, the processor retrieves mail messages from the mail interface, translates them into a format recognized by the server, receives query results from the server, and returns the results with the appropriate user identification to the mail interface.