Techniques for resource operation based on usage, sharing, and recommendations with modular authentication

A method implemented in a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and processed by one or more processors configured to perform the method, comprising:

• presenting a merged view on a device of a principal, the merged view showing local files and remote network files integrated together in a local file system for a local operating system, the local files and remote network files comprise a file space defined for the principal;
• detecting a message from the principal associated with a particular file;
• sending the message to other principals using different mechanisms to send the message to each of the other principals;
• and
• storing the message in a remote repository that is separate from where the particular file is stored, the repository having other previous messages associated with the particular file.

A method implemented in a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and processed by one or more processors configured to perform the method, comprising.

• negotiating with a client to discover compatible authentication capabilities between the method and the client;
• receiving a particular authentication capability from the compatible authentication capabilities as selected by the client for use, the particular authentication capability received with a client credential that is for use with the particular authentication capability;
• authenticating the client via a selected authentication service using the client credential;
• and
• creating an authentication session between the client and a legacy service based on successful authentication of the client with the authentication service.