Abstract: In a system that controls access to information resources, a session manager in cooperation with a topology mechanism enables a client to securely interact with a plurality of access servers and associated runtime elements using a plurality of sessions that are coordinated and tracked. The information resources are stored on protected servers. Access to each of the protected servers is controlled by one of the access servers. Client session information is stored in a session manager that is bound to and associated with the runtime of the access server, and the topology mechanism. In operation, a user of a client or browser logs in to an access server and then submits a request for a resource of a protected server associated with a different access server. A runtime module on the access server receives the request and asks the session manager to validate the session. The session manager determines whether the client is involved in an authenticated session with any access server in the system.