Messages between trading partners can be processed persistently using a persistence framework, which can include a transaction manager, a locking manager, and a logging mechanism. A transaction manager can initiate a transaction for a request, and can enlist and modify any object or resource useful in processing the request. A locking manager can lock any of these objects, using inflated and/or individual locks, to prevent other resources or transactions from accessing the object during the transaction. A logging component can track any modifications of the object, while a transaction manager can manage state for the object. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.