Computing systems are of growing importance because of their wide use in many areas including those in safety-critical systems. This book describes the basic models and approaches to the reliability analysis of such systems. An extensive review is provided and models are categorized into different types. Some Markov models are extended to the analysis of some specific computing systems such as combined software and hardware, imperfect debugging processes, failure correlation, multi-state systems, heterogeneous subsystems, etc. One of the aims of the presentation is that based on the sound analysis and simplicity of the approaches, the use of Markov models can be better implemented in the computing system reliability.

From the reviews:

"The study of system reliability is as an important topic in engineering that has gained further importance in recent decades . This book is a good basic introduction to its subject, which is suitable for practitioners. it collects and places in context topics and techniques covered in a large number of publications on the subject. The good list of references and the topic index at the end make it a suitable resource for students." (Shrisha Rao, Computing Reviews, February, 2005)

Inhalt
Basic Reliability Concepts and Analysis.- Models for Hardware System Reliability.- Models for Software Reliability.- Models for Integrated Systems.- Availability and Reliability of Distributed Computing Systems.- Reliability of Grid Computing Systems.- Multi-state System Reliability.- Optimal System Design and Resource Allocation.