This section describes the complete lifecycle of a message from submission to final state.
It explains how messages move through platform processing stages.
Each message follows these main stages:
- Submission
- Validation
- Ingestion
- Processing
- Delivery
- Access
- Retention
- Deletion
Most messages progress through all lifecycle stages (typically ending in Retention). Messages that do not complete the full lifecycle usually stop early due to processing or delivery errors.
The lifecycle starts when:
- Files are uploaded to storage
- Delivery is created through the API
At this stage, content is not yet visible to receivers.
During validation, the platform verifies:
- Envelope structure
- File references
- Sender permissions
- Recipient identification
- Encryption configuration
Invalid messages are rejected at this stage.
During ingestion:
- Files are retrieved
- Security scanning is performed
- Encryption is applied
- Metadata is stored
Ingested content is prepared for delivery.
During processing, the platform:
- Resolves recipients
- Verifies subscriptions
- Evaluates features
- Schedules delivery when required
- Prepares mailbox entries
Processing continues until all conditions are met.
During delivery:
- Messages become available in recipient mailboxes
- Delivery timestamps are recorded
- Optional notifications may be triggered
All recipients receive access simultaneously.
When a receiver accesses a message:
- Access is logged
- Open receipts may be registered
- Attachments may be downloaded
- Audit entries are created
Access behavior depends on message configuration.
Messages are retained according to platform policies.
Retention rules may depend on:
- Legal requirements
- Platform holder configuration
- Sender policies
Retention applies to both content and metadata.
Messages may be deleted through:
- Automatic retention expiry of messages in Deleted messages folder
- Automatic retention expiry of undelivered Interim messages
- Manual deletion of messages by recipient
- Recall of undelivered messages (scheduled messages)
Deletion removes access to content and may affect reporting availability.