Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing an enriched messaging service in a communications network is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a first host operating in an active state at a first site in a communications network and a second host operating in a standby state at a second site in the communications network. The system also includes a first proxy located at the second site, wherein the first proxy is adapted to receive an original message addressed to a virtual Internet protocol (VIP) address associated with the first and second hosts to identify the first host as being in the active state, and, in response, to encapsulate the original message in at least one Internet protocol (IP) packet to form a tunneled message that includes the VIP address. The first proxy is also responsible for forwarding the tunneled message to the first site.