Abstract: A process control system (PCS) includes a control network and a plurality of nodes coupled thereto, the PCS controlling a process. A monitoring system, operatively connected to the PCS, obtains predetermined data of the PCS to monitor the performance of the PCS. The monitoring system comprises a first computer system operatively connected to the control network of the PCS. The first computer system continually accesses the predetermined data of the PCS on a predetermined periodic basis in accordance with a predetermined protocol of the control network. The first computer system is located in physical proximity with the PCS. A second computer system is located remotely from the PCS. The second computer system receives the predetermined data of the PCS transferred from the first computer system, the transfer being initiated by the first computer system when an alarm condition of the PCS is indicated by the predetermined data.