Your PC automatically polls each ICIS for data files at the interval you define - from once a minute to once a day. No, the ICIS system does not operate when power is lost to the ICIS hardware. After power is restored, the system automatically starts where it left off using its internal watchdog timer and pointer. All programs, configurations, historical data, and the clock are properly maintained during the power outage. Data and control loops are updated as fast as once per second.
Historical data is recorded as fast as once every ten seconds.
First the data is saved to battery backed CMOS RAM on the ICIS hardware. The long-term storage on the computer or network is limited only by disk space, thus allowing many years of data storage. You don't need separate strip chart recorders. Yes, each ICIS system can communicate with up to four separate networks or PCs simultaneously. This also allows one PC in a central area from which to provide maintenance and to display and generate reports from several different ICIS nodes.