Abstract: A distributed application interface and authentication system and method where the application interface accepts information identifying a particular user and the information is authenticated before granting access to a distributed computing network. The invention provides a method of linking two distinct applications operating in distinct environments so their collective information may be used for a common cause. A user attempting to login interacts with the web-based application. The system uses information from a web-based application as an input to a client-based application. Alternatively, the client-based application may contain information which can be used collectively by both applications to successfully authenticate or authorize a user.