Theory And Engineering Of Dependable Computer Systems And Networks

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.

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.

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.

The book includes papers about various problems of dependable operation of computer systems and networks, which were presented during the 18th DepCoS-RELCOMEX conference. Their collection can be an interesting 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. The increasing role of artificial intelligence algorithms and tools in modern information technology and computer engineering, especially rapid expansion of tools based on deep learning methods, calls for extending our view on system dependability. Selection of papers in these proceedings not only illustrates a wide-ranging variety of multidisciplinary topics which should be considered in this context but also proves that virtually all areas of contemporary computer systems and networks must take into account an aspect of dependability.

This book presents a selection of papers about problems which arise in dependability studies of contemporary computer systems and networks. Their collection should be an interesting and inspiring source material for scientists, researchers, engineers, and students who must consider diverse dependability characteristics in design, analysis, or maintenance of computer systems and networks. The papers were presented during the 19th DepCoS-RELCOMEX conference which was the next event in a series organized annually since 2006. Originating as a scientific platform for discussions of reliability aspects in computer engineering, the topical scope of the conference has been constantly expanded to incorporate new dependability challenges brought by recent advances in systems and information technologies. Currently, dependable operation in the context of computer processing means obtaining reliable (true and timely) results in the conditions of processing both quantitative and qualitative data, using precise or fuzzy (often: imitating) models and algorithms. With increasing use of artificial intelligence algorithms and tools, dependability in contemporary information technology and computer engineering calls for methods based on cognitive systems and deep learning techniques. Topical variety of the papers included in these proceedings proves that almost all applications of modern computer systems and networks must take into account the aspect of dependability and also illustrates a wide diversity of multidisciplinary subjects which needs to be considered in this context.

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 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).

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