Queries in a distributed database system are received at computer devices participating in the database system. A determination is made as to which of the respective, participating computer devices has data relevant to the query. Information about the computer devices(s) which has or have the relevant data is communicated to the participating computer devices. Such information is used to determine, at each of the respective participating computer devices, a benefit value for at least one of the participating computer devices. A determination is made as to which the participating computer devices will process the query by comparing the benefit values for the participating computer devices.