A data processing system and method are described for remotely controlling execution of a processor utilizing the processor's built-in test access port for debugging the execution of the processor. The client computer system is coupled to a server computer system utilizing a network. The server computer system transmits a signal to said client computer system to control execution of the processor utilizing the test access port. The signal identifies one of a plurality of processor actions. In response to a receipt of the signal, the processor executes the one of the plurality of processor actions such that the server computer system remotely debugs the execution of the processor utilizing the built-in test access port, wherein additional debug hardware is not utilized.