A method, and system, and computer program product for authenticating a user. A first server of a plurality of servers receives an access request from the user to access a federated computing environment that comprises multiple servers. After receiving the access request, the first server: receives input authentication information from the user, obtains a server address of a second server having an authentication policy that matches an authentication policy of the first server, transmits the input authentication information to the second server via the server address of the second server, receives from the second server a notification that the second server has successfully authorized the user, and permits the user to access the federated computing environment.