The present invention provides a presence system capable of monitoring state information, communication capabilities, or a combination thereof derived from a plurality of sources over any number of disparate networks. The state information bears on the presence or availability of the user and may take many forms. The communication capabilities relate to a potential method by which one can communicate with the user. Based on a profile provided by the user, the presence system evaluates the state information or communication capabilities from one or more sources to create presence information, including a preferred method or a prioritized list of methods by which to communicate with the user. The presence information is then delivered to subscribers of the presence information.