A method for maintaining data in a substantiated state includes executing one or more services on the data message at a first node, annotating the message header with the services executed at the first node, transmitting the data message over a data network, and receiving the annotated data message at a second node. The annotation corresponds to the services executed at the first node, and the annotated data is extractable from the header for the execution of services at the second node. A system for maintaining data in a substantiated state is also described.