Predictability Versus Adaptability

Abstract

The issue is particularly interesting when considering the class of large, complex, real-time, time-critical, highly reliable systems. In this case, large means systems with several million lines of high level software code built on distributed and parallel architectures. While the architectures of these systems may be exceedingly complex, these systems still require highly predictable and reliable behavior. Systems of this class are found in military, telecommunications, commercial avionics, nuclear, and business applications. Many of these systems operate in a highly adaptive, unpredictable and changing environment; therefore, the systems are required to be highly reactive. Also, the complexity of these systems’ architectures increases the probability that a portion of the system will fail. If the system is designed to be highly adaptive, its ability to overcome the complex environments and potential faulty behavior may be greatly enhanced.