1. A distributed data processing system for executing database operations comprising: (a) two or more data storage processors for coordinating and processing the storage of database records; (b) at least one central database processor for processing database operations; (c) a network infrastructure providing for network connection of the data storage processors and at least one central database processor as network nodes to support communication of data among network nodes, the network infrastructure using a communication protocol; (d) a communication process responsible for communicating data blocks in one or more messages communicated among network nodes; (e) an application process for executing database operations, with portions of the application process executing on the data storage processors, and portions of the application process executing on at least one central database processor; and (f) at least part of the communication process having at least some of the application process executing within it.