a voice over internet protocol communications system , a method of managing a communications network in such a system and a program product therefore . the system / network includes an energy star aware softswitch and e - star compliant communications devices at system endpoints . the e - star aware softswitch allows e - star compliant communications devices to enter and remain in power saving mode . the e - star aware softswitch spools messages and forwards only selected messages to the devices in power saving mode . when the e - star compliant communications devices exit power saving mode , the e - star aware softswitch forwards spooled messages .