Communications system and method

A communications system for communicates messages to a user via a communications network. The communications system comprises an application server, which is operable in accordance with an application program to generate a message for an intended recipient under the control of an application program. The application server is also operable to generate delivery information indicating rules for delivering the message, and to communicate the message and the delivery information to the intended recipient. The communications system also includes a presence server for monitoring the presence state of users of the communications network. A message processor is provided which is operable to intercept the message and the delivery information associated with the message. The message processor obtains from the presence server, the presence state of the intended recipient of the intercepted message, and controls the communication of the intercepted message to the intended recipient in dependence on the presence state of the intended recipient and the delivery rules indicated by the delivery information associated with the message. The provision of delivery information in outgoing messages, and the provision of a message processor for controlling the delivery of messages based on the delivery information and the presence state of an intended recipient enables the abstraction of presence logic from the application server and user plane. Greater network modularity, interoperability and scalability for presence in telecommunications networks is thereby provided.