A software-implemented, alert-enabled passive element and method that allows a user to receive updates from unrelated sources and to provide alerts and status information within a centralized information source without customization or modification of the unrelated sources. Data and information from multiple, independent systems is integrated into a single element that provides a centralized information source. A user is provided with the ability to specify the type of data to be gathered from the independent systems, the specific location where the data is to be retrieved, and a reference value for each instance of data to be retrieved. A comparison between the retrieved data and the reference value is thus enabled. Information regarding a mismatch or retrieved value beyond or outside an acceptable value or range of values may then be provided to the user within the passive element.