Described are embodiments directed to processing write requests using designated servers with global knowledge of information within a distributed system. The designated servers are used to enforce a data rule that limits the data that may be written to the distributed system. In order to ensure that data written to the distributed system is consistent with the data rule, when another server within the distributed system receives a request to write information that is subject to the data rule, it must consult with one of the designated servers before it can accept the write request. If the designated server determines that the data is consistent with the data rule, the write request is approved. Otherwise, the write request is denied.