A method and system for connecting a client to a database managed by a
network of computer systems having a plurality of database management
system (DBMS) members includes providing a shared network address for the
plurality of DBMS members, which is used by the client to connect to an
active DBMS member of the plurality of DBMS members.Through the aspects
of the present invention, the shared network address allows the client to
connect, via a network router, to any one of the plurality of DBMS
members so long as one member is active. Once the client is connected to
one member, the member sends to the client a list of all active members
and their respective workloads. The list also includes member-specific
network addresses corresponding to each member so that the client can
distribute work evenly across the active members and also perform a
resynchronization process with a DBMS member after a first connection
with the DBMS member has been interrupted.