A system and technique enables network level locks, called network mutexes, on network objects such as databases and ports. A remote data server (RDS) element resides on a server for receiving network mutex (NM) request from remote clients. A NM request includes, in part, a network mutex name, a locking priority, identification of the requesting element and client, and an indication as to whether the network mutex may be shared with other equivalent applications or elements. The RDS element grants the NM request when no other application or element has established the network mutex or the network mutex is held by an equivalent application or element and is in a sharable status. Network mutexes are removed when the remote locking client transmits a NM unlock request. Network mutexes enable central control of the locking and unlocking of network objects.