Architectural challenges for a dependable Information Society (original) (raw)

Ambient dependability: a grand challenge

… Journal of Computer Systems Science & …, 2005

This paper tries, on one side, to raise awareness on the level of complexity of future computer-based interconnected systems/infrastructures, at least as they are envisioned, and, on the other side, on the level of dependability we are today able to justify with confidence. This paper does not provide solutions, but tries to motivate that fundamental methods and methodologies must be reconsidered, studied, exploited, assessed and applied to move towards what can be called "ambient dependability", a global view of the concept of dependability [1], which encompasses not only the technological aspects but includes inter and multi disciplinary fields, which span over ergonomics, usability, education, sociology, law and government, and convince a large audience that investing in it constitutes a very strategic Grand Challenge.

Architectural challenges for ambient dependability

… -Oriented Real-Time Dependable Systems, 2003 …, 2004

This paper presents the author's view of the gaps, the challenges and the potentials that exist today when dealing with terms like dependability, trustworthiness, confidence etc. applied to computerized systems and in particular to complex distributed infrastructures and/or services, in contexts where it is no more possible to cope only with accidental faults. Both the "architecture" and the "system" have to be reconsidered from many points of view, if we want than our society can move through what is called "ambient intelligence" to reach what we would like to see, that is "ambient dependability".

Dependability of computer-based systems

2000

Abstract. This paper sets out a programme of work in the area of dependability. The research is to be pursued under the aegis of a sixyear Inter-Disciplinary Research Collaboration funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The research considers computer-based systems which comprise humans as well as hardware and software. The aim here is to indicate how formal methods ideas, coupled with structuring proposals, can help address a problem which clearly also requires social science input.

On Dependability Issues in Ambient Intelligence Systems

International Journal of Ambient Computing and Intelligence, 2011

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) is the emerging computing paradigm used to build next-generation smart environments. It provides services in a flexible, transparent, and anticipative manner, requiring minimal skills for human-computer interaction. Recently, AmI is being adapted to build smart systems to guide human activities in critical domains, such as, healthcare, ambient assisted living, and disaster recovery. However, the practical application to such domains generally calls for stringent dependability requirements, since the failure of even a single component may cause dangerous loss or hazard to people and machineries. Despite these concerns, there is still little understanding on dependability issues in Ambient Intelligent systems and on possible solutions. This paper provides an analysis of the AmI literature dealing with dependability issues and to propose an innovative architectural solution to such issues, based on the use of runtime verification techniques.

Critical perspectives on dependability

Proceedings of the 4th decennial conference on Critical computing between sense and sensibility - CC '05, 2005

This paper considers multiple meanings of dependability as part of a project investigating home based assistive and smart home technology for older people. It argues that because the term dependability is broad, clear levels of analysis must be articulated. It further situates engineering based definitions of dependability in wider critical perspectives. Five levels of analysis are proposed which expand from a single device to a set of devices in a particular building with primary and secondary users. These levels of analysis are then considered in relation to five contextual perspectives: the technological, the personal, the social, the cultural and the environmental. The approach is applied to a case study of an older person's experience of the installation of an automated front door.

Dependability in the Information Society: Getting Ready for the FP6

2002

The dependable behaviour of information infrastructures is critical to achieve trust & confidence in any meaningful realisations of the Information Society. The paper briefly discusses the aim and scope of the Dependability Initiative under the Information Society Technologies Programme and presents the activities that have recently being launched in this area to prepare the forthcoming Framework Programme 6th of the European Commission.