Theory And Applications Of Dependable Computer Systems

This book presents selected papers from the Fifteenth International Conference on Dependability of Computer Systems (DepCoS-RELCOMEX), which illustrate the diversity of theoretical problems in analysis of performability, reliability and security of contemporary computer systems. Covering also methodologies and practical tools involved in this field, it is a valuable reference resource for scientists, researchers, practitioners and students who are dealing with these subjects. Established in 2006, DepCoS-RELCOMEX is an annual conference series organised by Wrocław University of Science and Technology. It focuses on the dependability and performability of contemporary computer systems – topics that can provide solutions to new challenges in evaluation of their reliability and efficiency. Since they are probably the most complex technical systems ever engineered by humans, the organization of modern computer systems cannot be modelled and analysed solely as structures (however complex and distributed) built only on the basis of technical resources. Instead they should be considered as a unique blend of interacting people (their needs and behaviours), networks (together with mobile properties, iCloud organisation, Internet of Everything) and a large number of users dispersed geographically and producing an unimaginable number of applications. This new, interdisciplinary approach is developing a continually increasing range of methods which apply also the latest findings in artificial intelligence (AI) and computational intelligence (CI).

Dependability analysis is the recent approach to performance evaluation of contemporary systems which tries to cope with new challenges that are brought with their unprecedented complexity, size and diversity. Especially in case of computer systems and networks such evaluation must be based on multidisciplinary approach to theory, technology, and maintenance of systems which operate in real (and very often unfriendly) environments. As opposed to “classic” reliability which focuses mainly on technical aspects of system functioning, dependability studies investigate the systems as multifaceted and sophisticated amalgamations of technical, information and also human resources. This monograph presents selected new developments in such areas of dependability research as mathematical models, evaluation of software, probabilistic assessment, methodologies, tools, and technologies. Intelligent and soft computing methods help to resolve fundamental problems of dependability analysis which are caused by the fact that in contemporary computer systems it is often difficult to find a relation between system elements and system events (the relation between reasons and results) and it is even more difficult to define strict mathematical models with “analytical” relationships between such phenomena.

A team of recognized experts leads the way to dependable computing systems With computers and networks pervading every aspect of daily life, there is an ever-growing demand for dependability. In this unique resource, researchers and organizations will find the tools needed to identify and engage state-of-the-art approaches used for the specification, design, and assessment of dependable computer systems. The first part of the book addresses models and paradigms of dependable computing, and the second part deals with enabling technologies and applications. Tough issues in creating dependable computing systems are also tackled, including: * Verification techniques * Model-based evaluation * Adjudication and data fusion * Robust communications primitives * Fault tolerance * Middleware * Grid security * Dependability in IBM mainframes * Embedded software * Real-time systems Each chapter of this contributed work has been authored by a recognized expert. This is an excellent textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science, as well as a must-have reference that will help engineers, programmers, and technologists develop systems that are secure and reliable.

This book contains papers on selected aspects of dependability analysis in computer systems and networks, which were chosen for discussion during the 16th DepCoS-RELCOMEX conference held in Wrocław, Poland, from June 28 to July 2, 2021. Their collection will be a valuable source material for scientists, researchers, practitioners and students who are dealing with design, analysis and engineering of computer systems and networks and must ensure their dependable operation. Being probably the most complex technical systems ever engineered by man (and also—the most dynamically evolving ones), organization of contemporary computer systems cannot be interpreted only as structures built on the basis of (unreliable) technical resources. Their evaluation must take into account a specific blend of interacting people (their needs and behaviours), networks (together with mobile properties, cloud organization, Internet of Everything, etc.) and a large number of users dispersed geographically and constantly producing an unconceivable number of applications. Ever-growing number of research methods being continuously developed for dependability analyses apply the newest techniques of artificial and computational intelligence. Selection of papers in these proceedings illustrates diversity of multi-disciplinary topics which are considered in present-day dependability explorations.

Since its first volume in 1960, Advances in Computers has presented detailed coverage of innovations in computer hardware, software, theory, design, and applications. It has also provided contributors with a medium in which they can explore their subjects in greater depth and breadth than journal articles usually allow. As a result, many articles have become standard references that continue to be of sugnificant, lasting value in this rapidly expanding field. In-depth surveys and tutorials on new computer technology Well-known authors and researchers in the field Extensive bibliographies with most chapters Many of the volumes are devoted to single themes or subfields of computer science

Foundations of Dependable Computing: Models and Frameworks for Dependable Systems presents two comprehensive frameworks for reasoning about system dependability, thereby establishing a context for understanding the roles played by specific approaches presented in this book's two companion volumes. It then explores the range of models and analysis methods necessary to design, validate and analyze dependable systems. A companion to this book (published by Kluwer), subtitled Paradigms for Dependable Applications, presents a variety of specific approaches to achieving dependability at the application level. Driven by the higher level fault models of Models and Frameworks for Dependable Systems, and built on the lower level abstractions implemented in a third companion book subtitled System Implementation, these approaches demonstrate how dependability may be tuned to the requirements of an application, the fault environment, and the characteristics of the target platform. Three classes of paradigms are considered: protocol-based paradigms for distributed applications, algorithm-based paradigms for parallel applications, and approaches to exploiting application semantics in embedded real-time control systems. Another companion book (published by Kluwer) subtitled System Implementation, explores the system infrastructure needed to support the various paradigms of Paradigms for Dependable Applications. Approaches to implementing support mechanisms and to incorporating additional appropriate levels of fault detection and fault tolerance at the processor, network, and operating system level are presented. A primary concern at these levels is balancing cost and performance against coverage and overall dependability. As these chapters demonstrate, low overhead, practical solutions are attainable and not necessarily incompatible with performance considerations. The section on innovative compiler support, in particular, demonstrates how the benefits of application specificity may be obtained while reducing hardware cost and run-time overhead.

Enhance your hardware/software reliability Enhancement of system reliability has been a major concern of computer users and designers ¦ and this major revision of the 1982 classic meets users' continuing need for practical information on this pressing topic. Included are case studies of reliable systems from manufacturers such as Tandem, Stratus, IBM, and Digital, as well as coverage of special systems such as the Galileo Orbiter fault protection system and AT&T telephone switching processors.

Can we rely on computers? The individual aspects of system dependability, reliability, availability, safety, and security are the factors that determine application success. To answer this question, the text explores the integration of these dependability attributes within practical working systems. This is an important new title in the series on Dependable Computing and Fault-Tolerant Systems.