Improving Software Reliability Forecasting

This work investigates some methods for software reliability forecasting. A supermodel is presented as a suited tool for prediction of reliability in software project development. Also, times series forecasting for cumulative interfailure time is proposed and illustrated

Evaluating testing methods by delivered reliability

There are two main goals in testing software: (1) to achieve adequate quality (debug testing), where the objective is to probe the software for defects so that these can be removed, and (2) to assess existing quality (operational testing), where the objective is to gain confidence that the software is reliable. Debug methods tend to ignore random selection of test data from an operational profile, while for operational methods this selection is all-important. Debug methods are thought to be good at uncovering defects so that these can be repaired, but having done so they do not provide a technically defensible assessment of the reliability that results. On the other hand, operational methods provide accurate assessment, but may not be as useful for achieving reliability. This paper examines the relationship between the two testing goals, using a probabilistic analysis. We define simple models of programs and their testing, and try to answer the question of how to attain program reliability: is it better to test by probing for defects as in debug testing, or to assess reliability directly as in operational testing? Testing methods are compared in a model where program failures are detected and the software changed to eliminate them. The “better” method delivers higher reliability after all test failures have been eliminated. Special cases are exhibited in which each kind of testing is superior. An analysis of the distribution of the delivered reliability indicates that even simple models have unusual statistical properties, suggesting caution in interpreting theoretical comparisons

Reliability approach for safe designing on a locking system

The aim of this work is to predict the failure probability of a locking system. This failure probability is assessed using complementary methods: the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) and Second-Order Reliability Method (SORM) as approximated methods, and Monte Carlo simulations as the reference method. Both types are implemented in a specific software [Phimeca software. Software for reliability analysis developed by Phimeca Engineering S.A.] used in this study. For the Monte Carlo simulations, a response surface, based on experimental design and finite element calculations [Abaqus/Standard User’s Manuel vol. I.], is elaborated so that the relation between the random input variables and structural responses could be established. Investigations of previous reliable methods on two configurations of the locking system show the large sturdiness of the first one and enable design improvements for the second one

Reliability approach for safe designing on a locking system

The aim of this work is to predict the failure probability of a locking system. This failure probability is assessed using complementary methods: the First-Order Reliability Method (FORM) and Second-Order Reliability Method (SORM) as approximated methods, and Monte Carlo simulations as the reference method. Both types are implemented in a specific software [Phimeca software. Software for reliability analysis developed by Phimeca Engineering S.A.] used in this study. For the Monte Carlo simulations, a response surface, based on experimental design and finite element calculations [Abaqus/Standard User’s Manuel vol. I.], is elaborated so that the relation between the random input variables and structural responses could be established. Investigations of previous reliable methods on two configurations of the locking system show the large sturdiness of the first one and enable design improvements for the second one

Reliability in Distributed Software Applications

Reliability is of vital importance for distributed software application and should be ensured in all stages of the development cycle. Ensuring a high level of reliability for distributed software applications leads to competitive applications which increase the level of user satisfaction. The aim of this paper is to present techniques and methods which ensure high level of reliability. A model for estimating the reliability through risk assessment is presented. Distributed software applications are composed of multiple components spread across multiple heterogeneous platforms and partial failures are inherent. To ensure high reliability is very important that the input data for distributed application components are correct and complete.Distributed Applications, Reliability Model, Risk Assessment, Data Acquisition

Production of Reliable Flight Crucial Software: Validation Methods Research for Fault Tolerant Avionics and Control Systems Sub-Working Group Meeting

The state of the art in the production of crucial software for flight control applications was addressed. The association between reliability metrics and software is considered. Thirteen software development projects are discussed. A short term need for research in the areas of tool development and software fault tolerance was indicated. For the long term, research in format verification or proof methods was recommended. Formal specification and software reliability modeling, were recommended as topics for both short and long term research

Experiments in fault tolerant software reliability

The reliability of voting was evaluated in a fault-tolerant software system for small output spaces. The effectiveness of the back-to-back testing process was investigated. Version 3.0 of the RSDIMU-ATS, a semi-automated test bed for certification testing of RSDIMU software, was prepared and distributed. Software reliability estimation methods based on non-random sampling are being studied. The investigation of existing fault-tolerance models was continued and formulation of new models was initiated