When a response message arrives, XCF binds it to the originating send request. The originator (client) then invokes IXCRECV to receive the response. If a user error (such as inaccessible data area) occurs during the receive process, the service routine returns with a return code indicating the type of error. XCF preserves the response message until it is delivered or discarded. The client might have a chance to correct the error and reissue IXCRECV to receive the response. If the client corrects the problem and invokes IXCRECV before the HOLDTIME (specified on IXCSEND) expires, the client is able to successfully receive the responses.

When the client invokes IXCSEND to send a request, it can specify a "receive bind" (RECVBIND) to indicate the entity responsible for invoking the IXCRECV macro to receive the responses. If the indicated entity ends, XCF will discard the message and any associated responses because there will not be any work unit to invoke the IXCRECV macro. The RECVBIND specification helps XCF ensure that system resources are recovered in a timely manner.