Accessing image data stored in a first storage unit (50) at a first location (1) and a second storage unit (50A) at a second location (1A) is provided by a common server (40) located at location 1. Available imaging data is selected by work stations (60 or 60A) based on the identification data stored in server (40). Selected imaging data is then transferred to a work station from either of the storage units located at the different locations. In case a low speed network is used, transmission of the data from one location to another is facilitated by image transfer servers (80 and 80A).