1. A system for enabling queries to a database to be processed comprising: an application system for providing queries to a database system including the database, the database system coupled to the application system via a first connection; a storage system coupled to each of the application system and the database system; and a return path selector coupled to the database system for selecting a return path over which to return results from queries made to the database system, the return path selector selecting from among at least the first connection or the storage system.