Fundamentals of Dependable Computing for Software Engineers

CHAPTER 12        Dependability Assessment

Learning objectives of this chapter are to understand:

•  The concepts and limitations of quantitative assessment.

•  The role and limitations of prescriptive standards.

•  The use of rigorous arguments in dependability assessment.

•  How the dependability of a system can be determined.

•  Effective ways to approach the problem of dependability assurance.

12.1 Approaches to Assessment

Throughout this book, we have been concerned with creating dependable computer systems. In Chapter 2, we discussed the need for defining dependability requirements, and in subsequent chapters, we examined various ways in which we might meet the defined requirements for software while remaining aware of what is happening ...