M database management ensures that multiple concurrent updates and retrievals of the same information (or information "close together" in ordered sequence) are handled in a predictable and logical fashion. Sometimes the database manager may have to change multiple records, usually indices, as a result of a single update. Interrupting a process that is performing such a "multi-point" update violates a design assumption of the M implementation and also results in a malformed database. Under normal operation, the database logic handles interruptions by deferring their recognition until the update is complete. However, occurrences such as power failures or a KILL-9 can cause such interruptions.