the present invention allows a server to delay allocating resources to a client &# 39 ; s request . when the client requests a feature that requires server resources , the server accepts and acknowledges the client &# 39 ; s request , but the client is prohibited from using the requested feature until further notice from the server . for example , during an authorization process , the server allocates only the minimum resources required to maintain the session and to authorize the client . thereafter , the server allocates the resources necessary to support the client &# 39 ; s request only when the resources become available . until then , the server maintains the communications session without supporting the request . thus , the server shepherds its resources rather than committing them at the whim of a client . also , a client need not repeat its request if the server cannot immediately satisfy it ; instead , the server accepts the request and then later begins to support it when adequate resources become available .