Abstract: The present invention is directed to overcoming bandwidth limitations of network backbones to allow for true national participation in multi-user applications across a large-scale network. Three techniques are used to minimize the amount of backbone loading: (1) A fully distributed system architecture is described that retains national participation in each application environment by allocating resources among responsible servers at remote locations; (2) Multiple zones of interest are defined within an application environment so that only relevant data applicable to each participant within a given application environment is transmitted across the network backbone; and (3) Seamless multi-server management is described that provides interaction across application environment regional boundaries without sacrificing continuity among participants or increasing the number of postcards transmitted.