1. A method implemented at least in part by a computer, the method comprising: from a requestor, receiving a request for access to a database, the database being accessible via a primary instance and one or more secondary instances; receiving an intent associated with the access, the intent indicating whether the requestor seeks to potentially write to the database; based on the intent, determining whether the primary instance or one of the one or more secondary instances are to provide the access to the database in response to the request; if the intent indicates that the requestor seeks to potentially write to the database, providing access to the database via the primary instance; and if the intent indicates that the requestor does not seek to potentially write to the database, sending an identifier of a secondary instance via which the requestor is allowed to access the database.