A Software Reliability Model Based on a Geometric Sequence of Failure Rates

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new software reliability model based on a geometric sequence of failure rates, which is validated through multiple project evaluations demonstrating consistent predictive accuracy.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel reliability model using geometric failure rate progression, inspired by practical observations, and evaluates its effectiveness across various projects.

Findings

Model performs consistently well in predictive validity

Effective across multiple projects

Based on observed failure rate patterns

Abstract

Software reliability models are an important tool in quality management and release planning. There is a large number of different models that often exhibit strengths in different areas. This paper proposes a model that is based on a geometric sequence (or progression) of the failure rates of faults. This property of the failure process was observed in practice at Siemens among others and led to the development of the proposed model. It is described in detail and evaluated using standard criteria. Most importantly, the model performs constantly well over several projects in terms of its predictive validity.