A first backup storage system within a receiving domain receives information from an originating domain distinct from the receiving domain. The first backup storage system includes at least one storage device and the information includes backup data and corresponding lifecycle policy information for the backup data. The first backup storage system automatically performs an operation relating to the backup data, where the operation is specified by the received lifecycle policy information. In some embodiments, the lifecycle policy information may be received by the receiving domain within a header located within the backup data.