Databases of a multi-node system each have a first subset of data that match each other and which are intended to be kept in synchronization with each other. At least one of the databases has a second subset of data that intentionally does not match a subset of data in at least one of the other databases and which is not kept in synchronization with the at least one of the other databases. Each node receives a plurality of matching request requests to perform an action on data in the database associated with each node. Indicia of the request to be performed on data in the database associated with each node is computed and is sent to a comparator which outputs a comparison result for each of the matching requests. First or second follow-up actions are performed respectively when the result of the comparison shows a match or mismatch.