Reliability Through Simulation:Goals and Limitations

Software Reliability is an important component of software quality. A number of software reliability models have been proposed since 1970s, but there is no single model that can be used in all the situations. To reduce the risk, it is better to experiment with the model of the system rather than with the system itself. Simulation, offers an attractive alternative to analytical models as it describes a system being characterized in terms of its artifacts, events, interrelationships and interactions in such a way that one may perform experiments on the model, rather than on the system itself. Simulation strives for achieving its goals but it does have certain limitations. This research paper focuses on the goals and limitations of using simulation in software reliability.