Within a cluster, when a new server node joins the cluster, an indication of the new server node has joined is received by at least one server node in the cluster. Global naming operations are disabled within the cluster. While the global naming operations are disabled, the global naming objects are replicated to the new server node. Once the replication is complete, global naming is reenabled for the cluster. In one embodiment of the invention, subsequent naming data from subsequent global naming operations is replicated in all server nodes in the cluster. One embodiment of the invention redirects naming operations directed to a down server node to a different server node within the cluster. One embodiment of the invention performs security checks responsive to a first access to the naming service.