In one aspect the invention relates to a method for enabling distributed program execution in a network that includes a client system and a plurality of server systems. The method includes the step of presenting a graphical depiction of a data file that is stored on a web server. A request to execute a first executable program, that includes information concerning a second executable program associated with the data file is reviewed. The second program can execute with on the client system or one of a plurality of server systems. Application output data from the second executable program is reviewed and formatted by the first executable program and received application output data is presented to the user.