Dependability

From Free net encyclopedia

In computer science, dependability is defined as:

"[..] the trustworthiness of a computing system which allows reliance to be justifiably placed on the service it delivers [..]" [1]

Dependability includes the following attributes of a computing system [2]:

• Availability: readiness for correct service;
• Reliability: continuity of correct service;
• Safety: absence of catastrophic consequences on the user(s) and the environment;
• Security: the concurrent existence of (a) availability for authorized users only, (b) confidentiality, and (c) integrity.

See also

• Fault-tolerance
• Ilities
• Formal methods

References

1. IFIP WG10.4 on Dependable Computing and Fault Tolerance.
2. A. Avizienis, J.-C. Laprie and B. Randell: Fundamental Concepts of Dependability. Research Report No 1145, LAAS-CNRS, April 2001.
3. Algirdas Avizienis, Jean-Claude Laprie, B. Randell: Dependability And Its Threats: A Taxonomy — this is a somewhat expanded and improved version of the previous document and an excellent starting point in the subject. Read this document and then read the following tutorial.
4. Wilfredo Torres-Pomales: Software Fault Tolerance: A Tutorial — a very good tutorial, read it after you have read the prevous document.