Systems and methods are provided that allow client programs using IMS database access interfaces to access IMS database data available from IMS systems on remote logical partitions and remote zSeries mainframes rather than from a local IMS system. For example, a method may include intercepting an IMS request having a documented IMS request format from a client program executing on a source mainframe system. The method may also include selecting a destination mainframe system and sending a buffer including information from the request from the source mainframe system to the destination mainframe system and establishing, at the destination mainframe system, an IMS DRA connection with the IMS system from the request. The method may further include receiving a response from the IMS system, sending a buffer having information from the response from the destination mainframe system to the source mainframe system, and providing the information to the client program.