Systems and methods are provided that allow client programs using APIs for accessing local DB2 databases to access DB2 systems on remote logical partitions and remote zSeries mainframes rather than from a local DB2 system. For example, a method may include intercepting a DB2 request using a documented API for accessing local DB2 databases 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, a DB2 connection with the DB2 system from the request. The method may further include receiving a response from the DB2 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.