How to implement use case

[Doug Fischer <dg...@dfischer.com>]

The following is what I am trying to implement, I believe that it is very
simple.  I would appreciate any help that anyone may be able to provide.

1. I need to monitor a directory for a file that contains a number of
conditions, this is an xml file.  These conditions will include things like:
PropertyX > 12 AND PropertyY < 4.  These conditions need to be stored
someplace for use later.
2. I need to monitor another directory for properties files that will
contain the data that I need to compare to the conditions above.  This file
may look something like the following:
            PropertyA=23
            PropertyX=13
            PropertyY=2
            PropertyZ=32.3
   3.  If the conditions are met, I need to send out an alert over XMPP to a
group (Multi-User Chat)

Am I correct in thinking that this is a simple thing to do?
Could someone please explain to me the best / correct way of implementing
this?
Specific examples would be extremely helpful.

Thank you very much for any help.
Doug