I could use the mysql database that DGDev uses but I would have to use PHP or similar to access the tables and then download the result (is that true?).
You could access it directly, depending on how the server is set up.
But I don't think you'd like to give the world access to DGDev database.

Is there any reason why you can't upload an app to the server and run it?

< my 2cents>

This would probibly be the best way. A small app tha does.
Opens the connection to mysql. {behind the firwalling}
Has all the querys you need. {This is then the only thing the know the password}.
Has an open socket, to which you send specific commands from your client. Any thing else it ignores.

Its a small interface{translation} layer. No real 'smarts' in it to make it work.

You can also the trim what is being sent. {slighly less bandwidth required then full querys.}

Client/Server is nicer for security.

< /my 2cents>

Does this help??