A software module includes a functional portion for day-to-day management and configuration of one or more network devices. During the development of the functional portion, the software module also includes a debugging portion, used primarily for debugging and troubleshooting the functional portion. Customer access to the debugging portion is limited in various ways. The functional portion may be shipped to customers without the debugging portion, or at least without most of the debugging portion. The debugging portion (or part of the debugging portion) may be provided only on an "as-needed" basis. If part of the debugging portion is shipped with the functional portion, special permission may be required to "unlock" that part. Part of the debugging portion may be provided separately from the functional portion, for example in the form of a downloadable plug-in. Moreover, access to commands for controlling the debugging portion is limited.