A hybrid messaging model including a method that sends a first request message from a control process executing on a computer to a plurality of subordinate processes. The first request message directs the subordinate processes to enter a first state. An expected state is set equal to the first state in response to sending the first request message. A status message, including the expected state, is periodically broadcast from the control process to the plurality of subordinate processes. At least one confirmation message is received from each of the subordinate processes confirming that the subordinate process is in the expected state. Each of the confirmation messages is responsive to either the first request message or to the status message. A second request message is sent from the control process to the plurality of subordinate processes in response to receiving at least one confirmation message from each of the subordinate processes.