Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an efficient manner of authentication for a plurality of services in a computing environment. When a first service of a plurality of related services is accessed, the user requesting access is provided with a security token that can be used by the user to efficiently access any one of the plurality of services on subsequent accesses. On subsequent accesses after the first access, the user may provide the requested service with the security token which ensures that the user is authorized to use that service. In this manner, the user only needs to provide its authentication information, e.g., log in, once to access any number of related services. This eliminates the need for multiple log-ins for multiple uses of a plurality of services thereby increasing speed, efficiency and reducing time and effort.

Abstract: Methods and systems in accordance with the present invention provide flexibility for use of plug-ins by implementing a forwarding plug-in. The forwarding plug-in forwards a user's or application's service request to the appropriate implementation plug-in for processing. In this manner, data files of the same data type, such as a MIME type, can be automatically processed and implemented by different plug-ins, thereby increasing flexibility and ease of use. As a result, different versions of data files of the same data type can be processed automatically without significant reworking of the system. The decision where to route the activation request may be made, for example, by a forwarding plug-in based on a user query via a graphical user input (“GUI”) or configuration data stored with the forwarding plug-in which determines which plug-in is to be used.