Methods are provided for utilizing a modular server architecture for processing requests for services, such as authorization and authentication, in a web server. The modular server architecture includes self-contained modular components that can be plugged in and out of the web server, as needed, to provide requested web services. The modular server architecture is also extensible in that it provides set of server APIs for processing requests for supporting built-in server functionality as well as functionality provided by third party modular components. The modular server architecture also supports the integration of request processing tasks for both native and managed modular components, such as ASP.NET modules, by virtue of a managed module host component. The modular server architecture also optimizes server performance by only providing modular component functionality when needed. By utilizing the modular server architecture, server functionality is extended, duplication of request processing tasks is eliminated and performance administrative overhead is reduced.