The present invention provides a system switching function for database management systems which requires no standby resources idling during normal operation. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method for processing databases in a system which includes a plurality of storage areas each storing a database and a plurality of computers each having a database management program running thereon which manages one of the plurality of storage areas. Each storage area is associated with only the computer managing the storage area. The method comprises, when a failure has occurred in one of the plurality of computers as a failed computer, obtaining preset substitution information indicating that the storage area managed by the database management program running on the failed computer is to be managed by the database management program running on another one of the plurality of computers as a substitute computer; and, based on the substitution information, changing association of the storage area with the failed computer to the substitute computer. The storage area is to be managed by the database management program running on the substitute computer.