1. A computer implemented method for storing and accessing collected artifacts in an electronic discovery system, comprising the steps of: providing a repository for storing collected artifacts; providing an execution agent configured to collect artifacts to be stored in said repository; and providing a controller configured to generate and propagate instructions to said execution agent; wherein said controller is configured to coordinate allocation and delivery of collected artifacts to said repository; wherein said controller is configured to manage access control to said collected artifacts in said repository; and wherein said controller is configured to generate and propagate factual data with regard to delivery of said collected artifacts into said repository.