Application of retention rules to records

A method for automatically applying retention categories and retention rules to records, the method comprising:

• defining a plurality of retention categories, wherein each retention category of the plurality of retention categories comprises a criteria for membership in the retention category and at least one retention rule for the retention category;
• receiving at least one record;
• automatically associating a retention category of the plurality of retention categories with the at least one record, wherein the at least one record meets the criteria for membership in the associated retention category;
• automatically applying the retention rule of the associated retention category to the at least one record.

A system for automatically applying retention categories and retention rules to records, the system comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory coupled to the processor;
• a defining module that defines a plurality of retention categories, wherein each retention category of the plurality of retention categories comprises a criteria for membership in the retention category and at least one retention rule for the retention category;
• a receiving module that receives at least one record;
• an associating module that automatically associates a retention category of the plurality of retention categories with the at least one record, wherein the at least one record meets the criteria for membership in the associated retention category;
• an applying module that automatically applies the retention rule of the associated retention category to the at least one record.