A feature of a messaging system (e.g., e-mail or voice mail) that allows the recipient to archive, or save, messages, usually for a limited amount of time unless they are resaved. Messages may be archived on an external storage medium for longer periods of time, perhaps to comply with document retention laws. For example, telephone companies in the United States must archive recorded user confirmation statements for long periods of time when effecting a change of carrier. Similarly, stockbrokers and certain telemarketers must retain confirmations associated with solicited trades or sales. See also e-mail and voice mail.