Error-handling paths and policies analysis

Software-based systems, both distributed and embedded, have reached the point where overall complexities radically increase the chance of errors and jeopardize run-time goals of availability and dependability. As the number of operations escalates along with processor speed and the distribution of functions grow, the opportunities for errors to propagate through the system expand. When the scale of systems interactions is included in the considerations, the problem of ensuring effective error handling grows exponentially in complexity. Advancements in analysis and characterization techniques/tools are a necessary breakthrough in reducing the cognitive difficulties in resolving and assessing the systemic nature of error propagation and error handling. In this proposal, the WW Technology Group and the University of Illinois jointly leverage new research and tool results for characterizing error propagation effects and multi-modal stochastic modeling technologies to develop next-generation techniques/tools. Starting with this background, we will refine and extend the WWTG error propagation and analysis theory into an integrated framework that incorporates a combination of enhancements to the WWTG EDICT architectural analysis tool suite and the U-Illinois' Möbius modeling and simulation tool. The resulting tool will enable the assessment and refinement of system responses/policies for handling propagation of context specific error conditions.