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A study of N-version programming and its impact on software availability

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  • Min Xie
  • Chengjie Xiong
  • Szu-Hui Ng

Abstract

N-version programming is a useful approach to improve the quality of software, especially for safety-critical systems. Positive performance in enhancing software availability is an expected result. In this paper, a software availability model for the study of the impact of N-version programming technique is proposed and investigated. The characteristics of the N-version software system and its operation and failure process are analysed. Based on this analysis, the time-dependent behaviour of the software system, which alternates between online and offline states, is described using a Markov chain. This model derives quantitative measures of software availability. Numerical examples and comparisons are also presented in this paper to directly illustrate N-version programming's positive impact on software availability measures. N-version programming generally provides a positive impact on the system. However, it does not always guarantee a higher availability performance. General recommendations are provided on N-version software structure design based on cost-effective criteria.

Suggested Citation

  • Min Xie & Chengjie Xiong & Szu-Hui Ng, 2014. "A study of N-version programming and its impact on software availability," International Journal of Systems Science, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(10), pages 2145-2157, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tsysxx:v:45:y:2014:i:10:p:2145-2157
    DOI: 10.1080/00207721.2013.763299
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