1. A network traffic management computing device, comprising: at least one of a processor coupled to memory and configured to implement hardware logic or execute programmed instructions stored in the memory to: direct data packets received from a client requesting a resource, to the requested resource, when the data packets are associated with an existing connection to the requested resource; request and receive requesting and receiving instructions for directing the data packets to the requested resource, when the data packets are not associated with an existing connection to the requested resource; and categorize one or more of the data packets into one or more data flows based on a flow signature comprising service type; and direct the data packets to at least one of a plurality of server computing devices hosting the requested resource based on the instructions and the flow signature comprising service type.