1. A method of searching a database for a match of any one of a plurality of keys, comprising the steps of: providing at least one network processor, each having a plurality of pico processors or packet processors; providing at least one key table containing sets of keys and an associated function with each key; providing a CPU operatively connected to a network processor; supplying a pre-formatted data record to be searched to said CPU, said pre-formatting including separately identified and searchable fields corresponding to said sets of keys; delivering said pre-formatted records to said network processor or processors from said CPU; searching, in said network processor or processors, at least one of said searchable fields in said pre-formatted data field against at least one set of keys stored in said key table; and if a match is found, returning the matched key and the associated function to the CPU.