Dependability of Iterative Software a Model for Evaluating the Effects of Input Correlation.pdfVIP

in SAFECOMP 95, Belgirate, Italy, Springer-Verlag, 1995, pp.489-503. Dependability of Iterative Software: a Model for Evaluating the Effects of Input Correlation 1 1 2 2 A. Bondavalli , S. Chiaradonna , F. Di Giandomenico , S. La Torre 1 CNUCE-CNR, Via S. Maria 36, 56126 Pisa, Italy 2 IEI-CNR, Via S. Maria 46, 56126 Pisa, Italy Abstract This paper deals with the dependability evaluation of software programs of iterative nature. In this work we define a new model that is able to account for both dependencies between input values of successive iterations and the effects of sequences of consecutive failures. Differently from previously proposed models, it is based on steady state probabilities of an iteration outcome (success, benign failure or catastrophic failure) and those representing the correlation. As such it allows to analyse the effects of the correlation between successive inputs on the dependability attributes of iterative software and assumes, as starting knowledge, information usually obtainable by testing. Requiring the designers or users to determine just the steady state probabilities of an iteration outcome, rather than difficult and costly state transition probabilities, this model is more useful and more generally applicable. 1 Introduction This paper deals with the dependability evaluation of software programs of iterative nature. The dependability of programs of iterative nature (as well as that of other software