10 Model-Based Analysis and Development of Dependable Systems

The term dependability was defined in the 1980s to encompass aspects like fault tolerance and system reliability. According to IFIP, it is defined as the trustworthiness of a computing system which allows reliance to be justifiably placed on the service it delivers. Hence, dependability is the capability of a system to successfully and safely complete its mission. This chapter concentrates on safety and reliability aspects. It starts with a review of the basic terminology including, for example, fault, failure, availability, and integrity. In the following, a mathematical model of fault-tolerant systems is defined. It is used in the further sections for comparison with different techniques for safety and reliability analysis. Also selected currently available model-based development tools are reviewed. A summary and identification of future research challenges conclude the chapter.     «

The term dependability was defined in the 1980s to encompass aspects like fault tolerance and system reliability. According to IFIP, it is defined as the trustworthiness of a computing system which allows reliance to be justifiably placed on the service it delivers. Hence, dependability is the capability of a system to successfully and safely complete its mission. This chapter concentrates on safety and reliability aspects. It starts with a review of the basic terminology including, for example,...     »