Dependability of the mobile device

Description

With the increasing use of mobile devices, it is very likely that the dependability of the user on the mobile device increases. Dependability has the following attributes (from [1]):

• Availability - readiness for correct service
• Reliability - continuity of correct service
• Safety - absence of catastrophic consequences on the user(s) and the environment
• Integrity - absence of improper system alteration
• Maintainability - ability to undergo modifications and repairs

The dependability is however at risk with the increasing complexity of the mobile device and reliance on the communication capabilities.

Enablers

• Improvement software development technologies: formal proving
• Development system design technologies
• Standarisation and open source software reduces the chance of introducing faults
• Network coverage

Inhibitors

• Increasing functionality in software and hardware
• Execution of 3rd party developed software (e.g. through the Internet)
• Increasing number of viruses and worms

Paradigms

The value attributed to the mobile device also depends on its trustworthiness. New functionality on a mobile device will only be 'used' if the platform provides the trustworthiness that the user associates with the functionality. For example using the mobile phone as a wallet might require a high trustworthiness in order to replace one of the currently existing money holders. Otherwise the mobile wallet will just be an additional option, resulting in lower acceptance.

Timing

• 1960s emergence of fault tolerance and system reliability studies (as a result of the space race?)
• 1980s the term reliability becomes overloaded; term dependability introduced by Jean-Claude Laprie

Web Resources

• Wikipedia : dependability
• Software Fault Tolerance: A Tutorial
• Software Reliability and Dependability: a Roadmap

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