Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing authentication in a computer environment. The method includes receiving a request for a web service from a client. The request is received at a J2EE based application server hosting one or more applications. The request includes a Kerberos security token and a Kerberos service ticket. Each application has its own Kerberos identity. It is verified that the client has access to the web service using the Kerberos security token and Kerberos service ticket as input to the verifying. The client is provided a connection to the web service if the verifying results in a determination that the client has access to the web service.