the query operator processes 210 a c then collects these results and passes them back to query manager 202 in the form of one or more messages query manager 202 reads the results of the query compiles them and returns the results through the query interface to the user or program from which the query was initiated fig3 illustrates an architecture of an operator node 104 a which is part of the system 100 of fig1 in particular fig3 illustrates some of the components of operator node 104 a as shown operator node 104 a may comprise a processor 300 a communications interface 302 and a memory 304 processor 300 controls the operation of operator node 104 a in particular processor 300 interprets and executes instructions provided to operator node 104 a such as instructions from operator process 210 a processor 300 can be implemented as any type of processor such as a general purpose processors manufactured by the intel corporation communications interface 302 couples operator node 104 a to network 108 communications interface 302 can be implemented using known hardware and software for example communications interface 302 can be configured as an ethernet or token ring interface other types of communications interfaces are also consistent with the principles of the present invention memory 304 serves as a local main memory for operator node 104 a memory 304 can be implemented using known types of memory such as a random access memory.