Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that can be used to manage state on a cluster comprising a plurality of application servers. A system according to one aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of application servers each of which is equipped to process requests, host unique state, and selectively forward requests. Client requests can arrive at any of the application servers. The servers forward client requests, as needed. A target computer system identification used in request forwarding can be provided with a response to the client whenever a cluster member develops state while carrying out a client request. The client, can include the request forwarding data in subsequent requests that are part of the same session. The invention provides a standards-compliant and secure system for allowing applications servers to effectuate requests that require processing by a particular target computer system.