High-level integrated design environment for dependability (HIDE)

For most systems, especially dependable, real-time systems for critical applications, an effective design process requires an early validation of the concepts and architectural choices, without wasting time and resources prior of checking whether the system fulfils its objectives or needs some re-design. Although a thorough system specification surely increases the level of confidence that can be put on a system, it is insufficient to guarantee that the system will adequately perform its tasks during its entire life-cycle. The early evaluation of system characteristics like dependability, timeliness, and correctness, is thus necessary to assess the conformance of the system under development to its targets. This paper presents some activities currently performed towards an integrated environment for the design and the validation of dependable systems.