Retention Policy Guide

Kaitlyn Johnson
Kaitlyn Johnson
  • Updated

Overview

At Dropsuite, we prioritize these concerns by integrating robust retention policy features. By default, data retention is unlimited, but there are key differences based on subscription type:

  • Backup-only Subscription: Only mail can have an assigned retention policy. Retention periods can be set for 14 months, 4 years, 7 years, or never deleted. If no specific period is set, it defaults to unlimited, with a banner prompting users to create one.
  • Archiver-type Subscription: Both mail and SharePoint can have assigned retention policies. Customizable retention periods for email range from 30 days to 11 years, with an option for unlimited retention. Recent enhancements for the Archiver-type subscription include a new default domain retention policy, simplifying the retention process by applying policies for all users at the domain level. Users can choose between default and custom retention options to meet diverse needs.

 

Key Capabilities

  • Diverse Options: Users can choose between default and custom retention when creating a new policy.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: The default domain retention policy applies to all users within the domain, eliminating the need for individual setup.

 

Default Domain Retention Policy

The default domain retention policy has no significant changes compared to the existing custom retention policy, except for its scope. The default domain retention applies at the domain level, simplifying management.

Setup Instructions
To set the default domain retention policy, follow these steps:

  1. Find the entry point you want. There are three available locations:
    • From the dashboard page, click the Set Retention Policy button.
    • From the add backup page, click the Set Retention Policy button.
    • From the retention policy page, there are two options: Click the Set Retention Policy button on the banner or click the Create New button then create default domain retention.

  2. Select the Retention Period, check “I agree with terms & conditions,” and click the Save button.

  3. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Click Save again to finish the process.

  4. A success message will display, and the policy will be listed on the retention policy page.

 

FAQ

Is the default domain retention policy available for all domain types?

No, it is currently available for M365 domains only.

 

Can users edit the created default retention policy?

Yes, navigate to the retention policy page, select the policy to edit, click the three dots button, then click Edit. Select the retention period, check “I agree with terms & conditions,” and click Save.

 

Can users delete the created default retention policy?

No, users can only edit the policy; deletion is not allowed.

 

What retention periods are available for the default retention?

The default retention can be configured on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, with predefined options or a custom period.

 

Can users set the default retention period to indefinite?

Yes, but this option is only available in the retention policy settings and not during the initial setup.

 

How long does it take for emails to be purged once the retention policy is implemented?

Typically, it takes 24-72 hours for emails to be purged, depending on data volume.

 

Once the retention policy is put in place, are all emails from before that policy specified date destroyed and rendered unrecoverable?

Yes, emails are permanently deleted once they surpass their retention period and cannot be recovered.

 

Can retention policies be deleted?

Yes, to delete a policy, go to Compliance > Retention Policy, click the Retention Policy List tab, select the policy you wish to delete, and click the Delete button.

 

Can retention policies be modified?

Yes, go to Compliance > Retention Policy, and select the policy you wish to edit, and click Edit. Please note: Editing an existing retention policy will only affect emails that have not been deleted yet.

 

How is the retention period calculated?

The retention period is calculated from the email received date to your mailbox, not from when the email was copied to our archive.

Example: If a 1-year retention policy is created today (25 September 2024 for the purpose of this example), it applies to all existing and future emails and is enforced as soon as the policy is created. Emails will be deleted within 24 hours after their retention period expires and cannot be recovered once deleted by the retention policy.

 

 

 

 

Email receive date

Retention policy period 

Retention policy creation date

Policy expiration date

13 MAY 2012 

1 YEAR

TODAY

TODAY

1 JUNE 2014 

1 YEAR

TODAY

TODAY

25 Sept. 2023

1 YEAR

TODAY

TODAY

30 Sept. 2023

1 YEAR

TODAY

30 Sept. 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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