1. A distributed data processing system for executing database operations comprising; (a) two or more data storage processors for coordinating and processing the storage and retrieval 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 network interface configured to operate a communication process responsible for communicating data blocks in one or more messages communicated among network nodes, the communication process formatting the data blocks with a communication header; (e) an application process for executing database operations including coordinating storage and retrieval of data blocks, 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; (f) a memory coupled to the network interface and one of the network node processors, the application process and network interface having access to the memory such that the application process shares data blocks with the communication process by reference; and (g) the application process storing database operation information within the communication header, and generating and passing data block pointer information to the communication process for referencing a given data block.