Any node in a multi-node processing system may be employed to route commands to a selected group of one or more nodes, and initiate local command execution if permitted by local security provisions. The system includes multiple application nodes interconnected by a network, and one or more administrator nodes each coupled to at least one application node. Each administrator node has assigned security credentials. The process starts when the administrator node transmits input to one of the application nodes (an "entry" node). The input includes a command and routing information specifying a list of desired application nodes ("destination" nodes) to execute the command. In response to this input, the entry node transmits messages to all destination nodes to (1) log-in to the destination nodes as the originating administrator node, and (2) request the destination nodes to execute the command. Consulting locally stored security information, each destination node determines whether the entry node's log-in should succeed. If so, the destination node consults locally stored authority information to determine whether the initiating administrator node has authority to execute the requested command. If so, the destination node executes the command. The destination node sends the entry node a response representing the outcome of command execution. The entry node organizes such responses and provides a representative output.