For example, the need to "antibug" software at the component and code level has been discussed earlier in the book. The software should contain facilities to assist support personnel when a defect is encountered in the operational environment (and make no mistake, defects will be encountered). In addition, support personnel should have access to a database that contains records of all defects that have already been encounteredtheir characteristics, cause, and cure. This will enable support per- sonnel to examine "similar" defects and may provide a means for more rapid diag- nosis and correction.