Like Aprobe, RootCause attaches to a program at runtime. No changes have to be made to the application at any time, neither at the source code level nor at any time during the compile process. As a result, RootCause can be used on third-party applications and other systems for which source code is not available. RootCause is also non-intrusive, adding virtually no overhead to the system that is being traced. RootCause can be highly customized to the specific needs of the production system.
Traces can be conditional, contingent upon certain events, or data-dependent.
Should the initial trace not provide enough data to pinpoint the cause of the problem, the trace can be easily modified. Additional information that would be useful for problem determination, such as timing or memory tracking, can be obtained. A new build can then be installed at the user's convenience. Customers include Rational Software, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Motorola, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Unisys and the U.S. Army. Founded in 1983, the employee-owned company is based in Fairfax, Virginia.