Abstract: Some embodiments of customized instant messaging application for displaying status of measurements from sensors are proposed. These include: simultaneous use of multiple avatars for a given source where one or more of the avatars represent sensor presence; selective assignment of avatar and associated presence information to recipients; dynamic changes to avatar triggered by changes to sensor measurements representing a noticeable change in environment being monitored; selective display of data in customized messaging application based on defined roles and responsibilities of recipient; dismissal of avatar update notification only after necessary action following change to presence condition induced by sensor.