A system for enabling more efficient processing of query operation of a database includes a query provider coupled to a database system, by a network. A storage system is coupled to each of the query provider and the database system. The database system includes a return path selector which chooses whether to return the results of queries to the query provider by storing the results into the shared storage system, or by sending them over the network. There may also be provided the capability of storing query data in the storage system for use by the database in executing the queries. A key is used to locate the results or the query data in the storage system, and another information field is used to control access to the stored query data and/or results.