ELECTRONIC MAIL INTERFACE FOR A NETWORK SERVER

A networked system for processing queries for a server in a distributed processing environment is provided. The system includes a plurality of clients disposed for communication with a database server through an electronic mail system. The server includes an electronic mail interface for receiving queries submitted by the clients and for transmitting the corresponding responses. A mail processor is also provided for processing the queries submitted by the clients and for submitting the queries to the request processor. The mail processor operates to provide bi-directional communication between the mail interface and the request processor. In addition, the mail processor retrieves mail messages from the mail interface, translates them into a format recognized by the request processor, receives query results from the request processor, and returns the results with the appropriate user identification to the mail interface. A scheduler, provided in connection with the server, provides automated scheduled execution of the mail processor in accordance with a set of programmed tasks.