Disclosed is a technique that can be performed in a distributed computer network. The technique can include a data index and query system that receives a search query and defines a search scheme for applying the search query on distributed data storage systems including an internal data storage system of the data intake and query system and an external data storage system communicatively coupled to the data intake and query system over a network. The data index and query system communicates at least a portion of the search scheme to a search service for application on behalf of the data intake and query system, receives from the search service a search result of the search query obtained by application of the search scheme to the distributed data storage systems, and causes the search result or data indicative thereof to be displayed on a display device.