Abstract: A method of removing an instance of a stateful session bean from a passive state, and a computer program product to execute this method. An event initiates the removal of said instance of the SFSB from the passive state to a does-not-exist state. Upon that event, a function of a container managing the SFSB is triggered. Said function handles the release of external state objects associated with the instance of the SFSB upon removing the instance of the SFSB. In one preferred embodiment of the method introducing a new type of callback method, said instance of the SFSB is partially reactivated, after calling said new type of callback method on said instance of the SFSB, by setting said instance of the SFSB in a near remove state between the passive state and the does-not-exist state.